Group rallies for reopening of West Suburban Medical Center
A passionate group of advocates gathered Tuesday morning to demand the reopening of West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park.
The hospital has been closed since March, and speakers at a rally argued Tuesday that the loss of the facility is putting thousands of residents at risk.
Organizers said the fight is about more than a hospital. They argue that the loss of West Suburban Medical Center has created a growing public health crisis for people who depend on the facility for emergency care.
Faith leaders, doctors, community activists and residents gathered at Columbus Park in Chicago's South Austin neighborhood to call for the reopening of West Suburban Medical Center.
The hospital suspended most of its operations in March after financial problems and issues with its billing system. Months later, the hospital remains closed as efforts to reopen the facility have continued, but failed.
Last week, a Cook County judge rejected a request to place the hospital under court-appointed control, leaving management in place while negotiations move forward.
Speakers at the rally Tuesday said the closure is forcing patients to travel farther for emergency care, and putting more pressure on other safety-net hospitals.
"We have to also make sure that our elected officials get this message — 'no' is not an option for West Suburban Hospital closing. 'No' not an option. Lives are on the line. Health is on the line. Justice is on the line," said the Rev. Ira Acree of Greater St. John Bible Church of Chicago. "We will not surrender. We will not retreat. We will not grow weary until West Suburban Hospital reopens as a full-service safety-net hospital."
Organizers said they will continue pushing hospital leaders, owners, and elected officials to find a path forward. They argue that every day the hospital remains closed means fewer options for patients seeking emergency care.
