Newswise — Gottlieb Memorial Hospital is opening a new health center designed around the needs of patients in the near west suburbs. The Gottlieb Center for Immediate Care at River Forest, 7617 W. North Ave., is part of the Loyola University Health System. Physicians from both the Loyola Maywood and the Gottlieb Melrose Park campuses will together care for patients at the nearly 10,000 square-foot new facility.

“Patients will have easy access to immediate care services as well as comprehensive health care right in their own neighborhood,” said Trish Cassidy, president, Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. “Many of our physicians live in Oak Park and River Forest and are delighted to have a center close to their homes, where they can practice and take care of their neighbors.”

Loyola physicians will offer care in orthopaedics and podiatry on Feb. 6 and in immediate care services on Feb. 13. Primary care physicians as well as obstetrician/gynecologists will begin caring for patients at the River Forest center in Spring, 2012.

Loyola physicians will work in close partnership with referring physicians, who can send patients to River Forest for immediate care, consultations, test and imaging services.

Loyola’s immediate care physicians will care for minor illnesses and injuries including sprains, fractures, fevers, infections and allergic reactions.

Loyola’s orthopaedic and podiatry experts at River Forest will provide comprehensive treatment for a full range of services including fractures, joint replacement, pediatric orthopaedics, spine surgery and sports medicine.

The Gottlieb Center for Immediate Care at River Forest will be open:10 a.m. to 10 p.m., weekdays10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends and holidays, except Christmas Day

The Gottlieb Center will also offer the following convenient outpatient services, with no appointment needed:X-ray: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., weekdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekendsLaboratory: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., weekdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekendsAppointments can be scheduled for CT scans:10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., weekdays

The Gottlieb Center for Immediate Care medical staff office is nearly 10,000-square-feet and offers free parking and Wi-Fi for the convenience of patients in the all-new facility. For more information about the Gottlieb Immediate Care Center at River Forest call (708) 681-3200.