Our History

Elmbrook Memorial Hospital has a history rich in humble beginnings, determination and undying commitment.  The hospital we see today, located high on a hill in a quiet suburban neighborhood, is the result and foresight of many individuals with a common dedication and vision of service to the community.

Humble Beginnings, Sacred Mission
The history begins with a small group of Canadian women helping the homeless and ill of Montreal.  By the official order of Bishop Bourget in 1848, this group became the Sisters of Misericordia and later migrated to the United States.  Coincidentally, in Milwaukee in 1908, several local physicians were making requests to the Archbishop for the establishment of a new hospital in the city.  The Misericordia Sisters were the immediate choice.  They arrived in 1910 and opened the Misericordia Hospital at 22nd and Juneau, later moving to 22nd and Kilbourn.

Increasing Healthcare Needs
By the 1950’s, as the city and the hospital grew, the Sisters began searching for larger quarters and an area to expand.  An area known as Brittany Farms was available in the Brookfield area, with the sellers of the land requesting that the land be used to benefit the entire community.  The Misericordia Sisters bought the 230 acre estate for $750,000.

Their Plan Comes to Fruition
On September 8, 1969 after years of planning and building, the Sisters opened their new hospital - Elmbrook Memorial.  With an original medical staff of just ten, the hospital began serving a community that would see many changes. In 1976, to fulfill an earlier commitment to return much of the property to the city’s tax rolls, the Sisters sold 200 acres for subdividing. As businesses and homes sprang up throughout the area, residents could always rely on Elmbrook Memorial to care for their sick, treat the injured and bring healthy new babies into the world.

As the years progressed, the Misericordia Sisters began to transfer ownership of their full service hospitals to other organizations.  In 1984, Elmbrook Memorial began as a member of the Wheaton Franciscan System, which later merged into the Covenant Healthcare System in 1993 and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare in 2006.

Elmbrook Memorial Hospital
19333 W. North Avenue
Brookfield, WI 53045
(262) 785-2000