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
Virginia Giuffre’s memoir reveals how Epstein, Maxwell ‘broke down’ girls step by step in psychological war

Virginia Giuffre’s Memoir Exposes Epstein and Maxwell’s Chilling Tactics in Systematic Psychological Manipulation

Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s first encounter with Jeffrey Epstein’s pink-hued mansion in Palm…
Former mayor stabbed outside blue state business, suspect with multiple arrests charged

Ex-Mayor Stabbed Outside Business in Blue State: Repeat Offender Charged in High-Profile Incident

A former Massachusetts mayor sustained injuries from a stabbing incident outside his…
Former ESPN Host Blasts Boy Competing Against Daughter

Ex-ESPN Host Criticizes Boy Competing Against His Daughter in Sports Event

Outrage Erupts as Christian Ponder’s Wife Criticizes Transgender Participation in Girls’ Sports…
Los Angeles teacher says ICE agents are 'not the only ones with guns' following shooting of federal agent

Los Angeles Teacher Sparks Controversy with Bold Statement on Guns After ICE Agent Shooting

A Los Angeles high school history teacher, who is a prominent voice…
Feds say 14 arrested during chaotic immigration sweep that sparked protests on NYC's Canal Street

14 Arrested in Turbulent NYC Immigration Raid Amid Canal Street Protests, Say Feds

NEW YORK (AP) — An immigration raid on Manhattan’s bustling Canal Street…
Charlotte man charged with Iryna Zarutska’s killing could face death penalty

Charlotte Resident Faces Potential Death Penalty in Connection with Iryna Zarutska’s Murder

The heart-wrenching case of Iryna Zarutska’s murder has taken a significant legal…
Man linked to Hamas attack on Israel indicted in Louisiana for conspiring to support terrorist group

Louisiana Man Charged with Conspiracy in Connection to Hamas Attack on Israel

A Louisiana resident has been formally charged in connection with the October…
Luigi Mangione claims he was beaten by seven 'ladyboys' in Thailand months before CEO killing: report

Shocking Twist: Luigi Mangione Alleges Assault by ‘Ladyboys’ in Thailand Before High-Profile CEO Murder

Luigi Mangione, once a promising Ivy League student, is now embroiled in…
Cheerleader dies after being shot at high school bonfire, remembered for having 'spunk to her step'

Tragic Loss: Beloved Cheerleader Fatally Shot at High School Bonfire, Celebrated for Her Spirited Legacy

Tragedy struck a high school gathering in Pinson, Alabama, when a young…
Bodycam video shows New York police officers rescue choking 10-month-old baby in Corona, Queens

Watch: Heroic NYPD Officers Save Choking Infant in Queens with Quick Response

In Corona, Queens, a 10-month-old infant’s life was saved by the quick…
Mother of baby abandoned at Penn Station in New York City arrested in Queens

Queens Authorities Arrest Mother of Baby Found Abandoned at Penn Station, NYC

NEW YORK — The mother of an infant girl discovered abandoned at…
Dad finds 13-year-old son dead after 200-foot fall from bluff inside popular National Park site

Tragic National Park Accident: Father Discovers Son’s Fatal 200-Foot Fall

In a heart-wrenching incident in Arkansas over the weekend, a father discovered…