Faith and community leaders are urging Governor JB Pritzker to intervene to reopen Weiss Memorial Hospital and West Suburban Medical Center. The hospitals’ future remains uncertain due to ongoing legal disputes.
Rev. Robin Hood, a well-known pastor in Chicago, stated in a news conference, “We’re calling on Gov. Pritzker to step up and address this public health emergency.” He expressed frustration with the state’s handling of the situation and requested a meeting with the governor to discuss reopening the hospitals.
Community leaders have asked the governor’s office for an immediate meeting, emphasizing the urgency. Marc Kaplan, a co-founder and board member with Northside Action for Justice, demanded a meeting within 72 hours.
A spokesperson for the governor’s office commented, stating that despite substantial support from the State of Illinois, the hospitals are private entities whose management did not take necessary actions to remain operational. No formal requests or viable plans were presented to the state.
Rev. Hood and other activists gathered outside the Daley Center before a court hearing related to the hospitals. Weiss Memorial Hospital closed in August following Medicare funding issues, while West Suburban closed in March due to cash flow problems.
Ramco Healthcare Holdings, led by Reddy Rathnaker Patlola, owns the hospital properties and has sued Resilience Healthcare, the operating company, alleging mismanagement. Ramco requested a receivership, but Cook County Circuit Judge Patrick Stanton denied it, believing a settlement framework could lead to the reopening of the hospitals.
Negotiations have stalled, with Resilience expressing dissatisfaction with the settlement terms. Ramco filed a motion to enforce the settlement or appoint a receiver. Resilience’s lawyer, Howard Brookins Jr., stated he received a document from Ramco’s lawyer and must review it with Prasad.
Community leaders criticize the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board for extending Weiss’ suspension of services by six months. They argue the extension disregards accountability for past actions.
Board Chair Debra Savage declined to comment, citing the active status of the issue.
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