Politics & Government

Crain's: State Lawmaker Tries to Help County Shut Down Oak Forest Hospital

Legislative move would let Cook County avoid a state panel in decisions about the county hospitals and health system.

State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie submitted an amendment to legislation Wednesday that would let Cook County bypass the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, allowing the county to do as it pleases at .

On May 10, the board halted Cook County's plan to end inpatient services with a single "no vote."

Reports Crain's Chicago Business, via AP:

Find out what's happening in Oak Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle supports the amendment, although she didn't ask Currie to introduce it, said Preckwinkle spokeswoman Jessey Neves.

Supporters of keeping the hospital open criticized the amendment. Lynda DeLaforgue of Citizen Action Illinois called the move an attempt to make an "end run" around the state board.

Find out what's happening in Oak Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Why should the area of Illinois with the most low income and uninsured residents be exempt from any law that seeks to protect access to care and quality care?" DeLaforgue said. "It is sad to see two great reformers like Rep. Currie and President Preckwinkle go down this wrong path."

The county planned to close the hospital, which cares for needy patients from throughout the south suburbs, on June 1.

So, what's it like at Oak Forest Hospital today?

Inpatient care is “wrapping up” while outpatient care is uncertain, and there is no plan in place for the care of the poor of the south suburbs beyond May 31.


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