John Brandecker named vice president for the University of Chicago Children's Hospital

October 29, 2004

John A. Brandecker has been appointed vice president, University of Chicago Hospitals and director, University of Chicago Children's Hospital, effective Oct. 18, 2004. He was the associate executive director for finance and the chief financial officer at Schneider Children's Hospital of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in New Hyde Park, New York, where he worked for 10 years.

Brandecker joins the University of Chicago Hospitals at an exciting time as it prepares to move inpatient care from its current children's hospital into the state-of-the-art Comer Children's Hospital this winter. In addition to day-to-day operational responsibilities, he will oversee the transition into the new facility, strengthen existing programs and develop new strategic initiatives.

"We are excited to have John join the Hospitals. His proven leadership skills and knowledge about health care and hospital management make him the right person to oversee the children's hospital during this pivotal time," said Michael Riordan, president and chief executive officer of the University of Chicago Hospitals.

Brandecker, 47, received a bachelor of arts degree in history from State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1981, a master's of business administration degree in executive management from St. John's University, New York, in 1983, and a master's of public health degree in health policy and management from Columbia University, New York, in 1992.

Prior to Schneider Children's Hospital, Brandecker worked for 11 years in the Office of Internal Management Services at Columbia University, New York. While there, he served in several management roles until he joined Schneider Children's Hospital as an administrator for the department of pediatrics in 1994.

"The University of Chicago Hospitals has a strong academic, clinical and research reputation," Brandecker said. "It is an honor and privilege to assume the helm of the brand-new Comer Children's Hospital. The hospital will serve as a beacon of hope for sick children and their families. It will provide the best clinical care in the world in a warm and engaging atmosphere."

Chicago Comer Children's Hospital is a $135-million facility that will house all inpatient pediatric services at the University of Chicago Hospitals. The hospital includes two 30-bed medical/surgical units, predominantly private rooms and a two-story, 30-bed pediatric intensive care unit, more than twice the capacity of the current unit. The neonatal intensive care unit, one of the largest in the Midwest, will have 65 beds. The new hospital also will have six surgical suites, 21 preoperative areas and recovery rooms designed to suit the specific needs of pediatric and newborn surgical patients.

Comer Children's Hospital will combine advanced technology with a family-centered, kid-friendly philosophy. Patient rooms will be big enough to accommodate family members -- 308 square feet, compared to 177 in the current children's hospital -- and there will be more common spaces for families, including sleeping areas (in addition to beds in the private rooms), a family kitchen and laundry facilities.