Senators Dick Durbin, Tammy Duckworth raise concerns about cuts to care at hospitals acquired by Prime Healthcare from Ascension
Share this @internewscast.com

JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) — Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth were raising concerns Wednesday about cuts to the level of care at some local hospitals.

The hospitals are now owned by Prime Healthcare. They were recently purchased from Ascension.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

A spokesperson for Prime Healthcare says the for-profit company’s model is centered on investing in hospitals.

But nurses at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet say, since the company acquired the hospital, they’ve instead seen cutbacks to services.

St. Joseph Medical Center is one of eight hospitals across the state that were bought by California-based Prime Healthcare back in March.

In April, the company announced it was suspending its in-patient pediatric care, citing a lack of demand for services.

“Our community deserves a pediatric department. We should not have to travel further for necessary care,” said Beth Corsetti, a registered nurse at St. Joseph Medical Center.

Corsetti said there are cutbacks to other Prime Healthcare hospitals in the area.

Mercy Medical Center in Aurora lost its Level 2 trauma designation, and St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee is no longer a location for childbirth.

“They promised to invest in our community, and they have not,” Corsetti said.

The changes are getting the attention of both Illinois senators.

Durbin and Duckworth addressed a letter to the founder of the company, stating, “We earnestly urge your health system to reconsider these decisions immediately. The implications of these reductions could deprive patients of essential and specialized care, create additional obstacles in accessing services, and worsen the current healthcare needs in the communities these hospitals support.”

Prime Healthcare released a statement saying, “These eight Illinois hospitals were experiencing significant financial challenges, losing close to $200 million annually—an unsustainable situation that jeopardized access to care. Our mission is to sustain and enhance these community hospitals, ensuring continued access to safe, high-quality healthcare for the long term.”

Meanwhile, the Illinois Nurses Association is keeping a close eye on the developments.

“What we would like to see from Prime is just sort of to keep on their promises. They promised to invest in our community. They promised to invest in our hospital,” said Kaitlynd French, with the Illinois Nurses Association.

Some nurses from St. Joseph will gather Wednesday evening for a town hall meeting to discuss the changes at the hospital and how it will affect the community.

That will be at the Joliet library, located at 3395 Black Road from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
NYC faces more snow that could be 'hazardous' for commuters

NYC Braces for Potentially Hazardous Snowstorm: Commuters Urged to Prepare for Disruptive Weather

Early Wednesday morning, New York City was once again blanketed with snow,…
Daughter detailed family turmoil before North Carolina mom vanished for 24 years before turning up alive

Unraveling the Mystery: Daughter Reveals Family Secrets in 24-Year Disappearance of North Carolina Mom

A North Carolina woman, reported missing over 20 years ago, has been…
Rep. Rashida Tlaib sparks outrage after chanting 'KKK' during Trump's SOTU address

Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s Bold Chant at Trump’s SOTU Address Stirs Controversy

Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, a member of the progressive “Squad,” ignited…
Markey: GOP Lawmakers Will 'Run' Away from Trump's Tariffs

Markey Predicts GOP Legislators Will Distance Themselves from Trump’s Tariff Policies

On a recent episode of MS NOW’s “The Weeknight,” Senator Ed Markey…
The Louvre names Christophe Leribault as boss months after historic jewel heist

Christophe Leribault Appointed Director of the Louvre Following Landmark Jewel Heist

PARIS — A new leader is set to take the helm at…
Maryland senior center employee Marquis Emilio Jones arrested in killing millionaire philanthropist Robert G Fuller Jr

Shocking Arrest: Maryland Senior Center Employee Charged in Murder of Millionaire Philanthropist Robert G. Fuller Jr.

A 22-year-old employee at an assisted living facility is facing charges after…
Nancy Guthrie's disappearance defies FBI kidnapping trends involving elderly victims

Chilling Sightings: Neighbor Reports Suspicious Activity Weeks Before Suspected Abduction of Nancy Guthrie

EXCLUSIVE: TUCSON, Ariz. — A resident of Tucson has come forward with…
Cuba says it killed 4 people aboard Florida-registered speedboat that opened fire on soldiers

Cuban Authorities Report Fatal Incident Involving Florida-Registered Speedboat and Military Personnel

HAVANA (AP) — On Wednesday, Cuba’s government reported that its military forces…
Build, baby, build: Mamdani must make more housing a top priority

Prioritizing Housing: Mamdani’s Call to Action for Boosting Development

In a decisive move to tackle New York City’s housing and affordability…
Brainerd, Chicago shooting: Antoine Alexander dies after being shot in parking lot in 9400-block of South Ashland Avenue

Tragic Incident in Brainerd: Man Fatally Shot in South Ashland Avenue Parking Lot

A man lost his life following a shooting incident in a parking…
Jackson Borrello accused of murdering sibling, Clara Borrello, seriously injuring 9-year-old in Wake County, North Carolina

Tragic Wake County Incident: Jackson Borrello Faces Charges in Sibling’s Death and Child’s Injury

A harrowing incident has unfolded in Fuquay-Varina, N.C., where a 16-year-old high…
Employee using a trash can to repeatedly fend off an alleged attacker.

Watch: Whataburger Employees Heroically Repel Attacker Using Only a Trash Can and Fry Basket

The phrase “Don’t Mess with Texas” took on new life recently when…