Mishawaka, Ind.-based Franciscan St. James Health has asked the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board for permission to close its hospital in Chicago Heights, Ill., according to a Crain's Chicago Business report.
Franciscan plans to move inpatient care to its hospital in Olympia Fields, Ill., about 5 miles from the Chicago Heights facility. Franciscan CEO Arnie Kimmel also plans to expand the outpatient facility in Chicago Heights, according to the report.
Franciscan plans to close the Chicago Heights hospital once renovations are completed at the Olympia Fields campus in October 2018.
The plan to close the hospital isn't sitting well with Chicago Heights residents, and Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzales has formed a task force with public officials and nonprofits to discuss how the hospital's closure will impact the community.
The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board is scheduled to vote on the proposal in March.
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