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
Mike Brown explains why Jalen Brunson was still playing when Knicks star suffered ankle injury

Mike Brown Reveals Reason Behind Jalen Brunson’s Late-Game Ankle Injury

Mike Brown was not about to concede defeat easily. This was evident…
CurlMix, Chicago business featured on 'Shark Tank' in 2019, asks for help amid economic struggles, tariffs

Chicago’s CurlMix Calls for Community Support Amid Economic Hurdles and Tariff Challenges After ‘Shark Tank’ Fame

In Chicago, a business owner who gained recognition on the popular television…
Pentagon’s $500 Million Gaza Border Base Plan Exposed

Unveiled: The Pentagon’s Secret $500 Million Strategy for a Gaza Border Base

The U.S. government is moving forward with plans to construct a massive…
Trump's next immigration crackdown will target Charlotte, North Carolina, sheriff says

Charlotte, NC Braces for Impact: Trump’s New Immigration Policy Targets Local Enforcement

CHARLOTTE, N.C — Charlotte, North Carolina, is the latest city preparing for…
'Bad Oil Changes': Vehicles left unusable after damage from service at Jiffy Lube locations in Aurora, Berwyn, drivers say

Vehicle Damage Claims Arise from Oil Changes at Jiffy Lube Locations in Aurora and Berwyn, Drivers Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ABC7 I-Team is delving into consumer complaints about…
Village of Broadview, IL protest: 21 arrested outside ICE facility as protesters clash with police; 4 officers injured

21 Arrested in Intense Clash Between Protesters and Police at Broadview ICE Facility; 4 Officers Hurt

BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — A confrontation outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Alex Murdaugh's housekeeper, John Wayne Gacy encounter, Brian Walshe case

Unraveling Mysteries: Alex Murdaugh’s Housekeeper Speaks Out, John Wayne Gacy’s Chilling Encounter, and the Latest on Brian Walshe

In a significant development, Brian Walshe, a Boston-based fraudster, has been deemed…
Base jumper saved off the Grand Canyon

Dramatic Helicopter Rescue Saves BASE Jumper Stranded on Canyon Cliff

A daring rescue unfolded earlier this week near Moab, Utah, capturing attention…
‘Bear attack’ story unravels as Montana man found guilty of grisly campsite murder: officials

Montana Man Convicted of Grisly Campsite Murder After Initial Bear Attack Allegations: Officials Report

A man from Montana, associated with White supremacist groups, has been convicted…
68-year-old arrested following string of burglaries at Jacksonville family businesses, police say

Jacksonville Family Businesses Targeted in Burglary Spree: 68-Year-Old Suspect in Custody

Authorities have charged a 68-year-old Jacksonville resident, Arthur Virgil, in connection with…
Americans report dramatic drop in importance of faith, poll finds

Shocking Poll Reveals Dramatic Decline in Faith’s Importance Among Americans

‘Pitt for Jesus’ event draws nearly 600 attendees Jake Overman, a tight…
Netanyahu: Israel Not Seeking Long-Term U.S. Military Aid — Pursuing ‘Greater Independence’

Netanyahu Announces Israel’s Shift Toward Military Self-Reliance Over Long-Term U.S. Aid

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly dismissed reports suggesting that…