UH Lake West Medical Center is a 237-bed, full-service community hospital serving the residents of Willoughby and the surrounding communities. Our medical staff includes more than 600 high trained providers in over 25 medical specialties.

University Hospitals Lake West Medical Center dates back to 1961 as part of the Lake Health System.

Lake Health began in 1902 when the New Connecticut Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) formed Painesville Hospital, the first chartered hospital in downtown Painesville. In 1924, the Lake County Commissioners took control of the hospital and it was renamed Lake County Memorial Hospital.

In 1959, the new 141-bed Lake County Memorial Hospital-East opened. This facility, located in downtown Painesville, would later be renamed Lake East Hospital. Two years later, the county built a new 185-bed hospital named Lake County Memorial Hospital-West in Willoughby, Ohio. It was the second hospital to be built in Lake County and would later be renamed Lake West Hospital.

In 1984 the Lake County Commissioners and hospital trustees agreed to change the system to a private, not-for-profit entity called Lake Hospital System. Four years later, in 1988, Lake Hospital System partnered with University Hospitals to introduce the Lake/University Ireland Cancer Center. This was the first partnership between the two entities.

In 2009 Lake Hospital System changed its name to Lake Health – a change that emphasized the shift from sick care to a focus on lifelong health and wellness. On April 16, 2021, Lake Health joined University Hospitals.

Bariatric Surgery
Emergency Services
Heart & Vascular
Neurology
Orthopedic Surgery
Radiology & Imaging
Urology
Wound Care

University Hospitals Lake West Medical Center delivers high-quality, patient-centered care grounded in evidence-based practices. It maintains its status as Lake County’s sole Level III Trauma Center and is recognized for rapid stroke and cardiac response. Investments in modern infrastructure—like hybrid cardiac labs and robotic surgery—enhance precision and recovery. With a robust interdisciplinary team and commitment to community health, Lake West is a trusted pillar in Northern Ohio’s healthcare .

Vision:

• Provide advanced, accessible care to the Lake County community

• Continue modernizing facilities and services to meet growing needs

Mission:

• Deliver compassionate, expert healthcare across a wide range of specialties

• Maintain high standards of safety, quality, and technological innovation

University Hospitals Lake West Medical Center has earned:

• Designated Level III Trauma Center – the only one in Lake County

• Certified Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission

• Certified Chest Pain Center (STEMI-ready)

• Heavily invested in modern upgrades, including a $23.7 million surgical expansion and hybrid lab addition