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
Trump reveals why he deleted AI post of himself as Jesus-like figure — and takes shot at Riley Gaines

Trump Explains Deletion of AI-Generated Jesus Image, Criticizes Riley Gaines in Latest Commentary

On Monday, President Trump clarified his decision to remove an AI-generated image…
DoorDash Grandma Hard at Work: Thanks Trump for 'No Tax on Tips' on McDonald's Delivery to Oval Office

Grandma Delivers McDonald’s to White House, Praises Trump for Tip Tax Policy

During Tax Week, key figures such as U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator…
US, Iran may resume war talks this week despite port blockade

US-Iran Dialogue Set to Reignite Amidst Port Blockade Tensions

In a potential diplomatic breakthrough, negotiators from the United States and Iran…
Disgraced ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore to learn if he's going to jail

Former Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore Awaits Sentencing Decision

The former Michigan football head coach, Sherrone Moore, who has been embroiled…
At least 16 injured in mass shooting at high school in Turkey after ex-student opens fire: report

Tragedy Strikes: Former Student’s Shooting Rampage at Turkish High School Leaves 16 Injured

In a tragic event on Tuesday, an ex-student unleashed gunfire at a…
US pitched Iran on 20-year uranium enrichment 'pause' during Pakistan talks

US Proposes 20-Year Halt on Iran’s Uranium Enrichment in Pakistan Discussions

WASHINGTON — In a significant diplomatic move, the United States proposed that…
Macron under fire over Iran, Hezbollah policy as Trump admin hosts Israel-Lebanon talks

Macron Faces Criticism Over Iran and Hezbollah Stance Amid Trump Administration’s Key Israel-Lebanon Negotiations

French President Emmanuel Macron is again under scrutiny for his perceived lack…
Man shot, Raines High School on lockdown after off-campus shooting, JSO says

Raines High School Secures Campus Following Off-Campus Shooting Incident, Reports Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

Jacksonville’s Raines High School is under lockdown following a shooting incident in…
US blockade of Iranian ports via Strait of Hormuz takes effect

US Enforces Strategic Blockade on Iranian Ports as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate

The United States initiated a naval blockade on Monday, effectively preventing ships…
California exodus strikes again as homebuilding giant pulls out

Major Homebuilder Exits California Amid Ongoing Population Shift

Another major company is waving goodbye to California. KB Home has revealed…
Rumors of Rep. Eric Swalwell's alleged behavior swirled around Washington for years: Kevin McCarthy

Kevin McCarthy Addresses Long-Standing Rumors Surrounding Rep. Eric Swalwell’s Alleged Conduct in Washington

U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell has decided to halt his campaign for the…
JD Vance accuses Iran of ‘economic terrorism’ over its blocking of Hormuz Strait, says ball is in Tehran’s court 

JD Vance Slams Iran’s ‘Economic Terrorism’ Over Hormuz Strait Blockade – What’s Next for Tehran?

Vice President Vance has accused Iran of engaging in “economic terrorism” due…