In the 1880s, the Swedish Evangelical Covenant Mission Friends saw immigrants in need of care, and the group selected the hospital's present-day site at Foster and California Avenues in Chicago to help. Called the "Home of Mercy," it opened doors to patients on April 1, 1886.
Original records of the Home of Mercy describe a hospital with 12 iron beds, two wooden wash stands, a bookcase, sofa, swing and a table with six chairs.
By 1890, 128 patients had been served, and Swedish Covenant Hospital began to expand. By 1903, a full-scale 40-bed hospital facility was built. Throughout the next 100 years, the hospital underwent multiple transformations and expansions in response to the needs of the community.
Over the years, many changes have occurred, but the mission remains the same: Swedish Covenant Hospital is committed to caring for the mind, body and spirit of all patients in a medically advanced, healing environment.
The Hospital Today
Swedish Covenant Hospital continues to grow under the auspices of the Evangelical Covenant Church to provide health and wellness services to the communities of Chicago's North and Northwest sides. As one of the few independent, nonprofit teaching hospitals in the area, Swedish Covenant Hospital remains focused on its mission of compassionate care. More than 550 physicians join Swedish Covenant Hospital's nurses and professional staff to strengthen a foundation of excellence.
The hospital's commitment to patient-centered care has grown to include a host of healing initiatives aimed at helping patients feel better, faster. Special touches such as international patient menus, aromatherapy and warm blankets are just a few examples of "healing" efforts that make Swedish Covenant Hospital unique among hospitals in Chicago and throughout the nation.
At the same time, Swedish Covenant Hospital ensures the highest quality medical care through accomplished medical professionals, advanced technology and procedures, a strong medical residency program and leadership in numerous research studies. Some key areas of treatment offered include heart care, surgical services, pediatrics, women's health, emergency and family medicine, rehabilitation and home care.
The combination of our healing efforts and medical expertise is exemplified by the hospital tagline, The Science of Feeling Better.
