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
Ron Johnson: Biden Buried Crucial Facts About the COVID Vaccines, Betrayed the Health of Our Young People

Ron Johnson: Biden Concealed Key Information on COVID Vaccines, Jeopardizing Our Youth’s Health

Such reports were frequently and swiftly dismissed by the Biden-Big Tech-Big Media…
Florida activist calls for Satanology banners at public schools citing First Amendment

Florida Activist Advocates for Satanism Banners in Public Schools, Citing First Amendment Rights

T. Chaz Stevens, the founder of the religion he refers to as…
How contractors are preparing for a pending recession

How Contractors Are Getting Ready for a Possible Recession

A new survey suggests slower construction could be a major indicator of…
Update: Horrifying Details Emerge About Alleged Capital Jewish Museum Shooter and His Victims

Update: Disturbing New Information Surfaces About Alleged Shooter at the Capital Jewish Museum and Their Victims

Further information has surfaced regarding the shooting on Wednesday night outside the…
Photo of a couple embracing.

28-Year-Old British Mother Tragically Passes Away During Turkey Vacation; Family Shocked to Discover Her Heart Was Removed by Doctors.

A British mother who passed away while on vacation reportedly had her…
Orleans Parish Jail Escape: 5 inmates still missing, Sheriff faces backlash

Five Inmates Remain Missing After Orleans Parish Jail Escape, Sheriff Criticized

Two civilians arrested for helping fugitives; AG tours jail, calls for system…
Newly-released videos show how possible fireworks could be behind destructive Palisades Fire

Recently-released videos suggest fireworks might have contributed to the destructive Palisades Fire

LOS ANGELES — Questions are still swirling around the cause of the…
2 killed in shooting outside of event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC., sources say

Two People Fatally Shot Outside Event at Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, According to Sources

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A man and woman were fatally shot outside of…
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests alleged Tren de Aragua gang members in deadly Gage Park house party mass shooting

ICE Detains Suspected Tren de Aragua Gang Members Linked to Fatal Gage Park House Party Shooting

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has apprehended individuals suspected of participating in…
Tracy Walker mugshot, placed on a blue background with the WKRG.com logo

Alabama Educator Detained Following Hospitalization of 4-Year-Old

A special education teacher from Collins-Rhodes Elementary School in Mobile County, Alabama,…
Inside look at how Knicks' managed this historic choke

A Closer Look at the Knicks’ Historic Collapse: How It Happened

Tyrese Haliburton’s prediction was spot on. The Knicks faltered dramatically on Wednesday…
California ex-cop Nicole Brown busted partying at a music festival while collecting $600K in full worker's comp: DA

Former California Police Officer Nicole Brown Caught at Music Festival While Receiving $600K in Workers’ Compensation: District Attorney Reports

A former police officer in California received $600,000 while on full disability…