Legislator testifies on behalf of hospitals in Southern Illinois

I am very sensitive to the concerns expressed by residents and leaders of Blue Island during the hearing today,” Bryant said.

A Southern Illinois state legislator was in Bolingbrook on Tuesday, Sept. 17, for a meeting of the Illinois Health Facilities Services and Review Board. 

State Rep. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, testified in defense of several local hospitals in her district that are affiliated with Quorum Health.

Quorum is the owner/operator of hospitals in Union County, Red Bud, Marion, and Mt. Vernon. 

The health care provider has petitioned the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board  in an effort to close MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island because of declining utilization and mounting, unsustainable financial losses.

“Money that goes from the State of Illinois to Quorum Hospitals via Medicaid reimbursements is used for operations in all of the Quorum operated health facilities, including those in Southern Illinois,” Bryant said. Her comments were shared in a news release.

“I am very sensitive to the concerns expressed by residents and leaders of Blue Island during the hearing today,” Bryant said.

“No town wants to lose its hospital and I understand that. However, some of those who testified today were concerned that they would have to travel a few minutes further to another hospital, should the Blue Island hospital close down. 

“In stark contrast, Southern Illinoisans that are seeking health care services rely heavily on a single, local hospital. 

If a local hospital closes in Union County, or in Red Bud, Marion or Mt. Vernon, patients may have to travel 30, 40, or 50 miles further away to receive treatment.”

If the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board rejects Quorum’s exemption application for closing of the Blue Island hospital, the company has argued that Southern Illinois hospitals affiliated with Quorum will have to help subsidize operations in Blue Island. 

Bryant said that would lead to problems for health care access for Southern Illinoisans in some communities.

“My greatest concern is that if resources are diverted from profitable Southern Illinois hospitals to help Blue Island’s hospital stay afloat, does that mean cuts to health care services for the people in Red Bud, Mt. Vernon, Union County or Marion?” Bryant asked.  

“There was a lot of talk about ‘health care deserts’ being created by the closure of hospitals in and around the Chicago area at today’s meeting. 

“I have to say, that if Southern Illinoisans have their hospitals cut services or close altogether, they will have to travel dozens of miles to get the care they need as opposed to someone in a more urban setting having to travel a few miles and a few more minutes to get to a hospital. 

“I am sensitive to the plight of the concerned citizens and leaders of the village of Blue Island, but it cannot be overstated that Southern Illinois must fight to keep the health care facilities and services that we have.”

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
1 + 7 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.
Comment Here