METROSOUTH MEDICAL CENTER PURSUES POSSIBLE NEW OWNER FOR HOSPITAL FACILITIES

Hospital notifies State of plans to cease operations as it pursues new owner and reuse

METROSOUTH MEDICAL CENTER PURSUES POSSIBLE NEW OWNER FOR HOSPITAL FACILITIES

Hospital notifies State of plans to cease operations as it pursues new owner and reuse

MetroSouth Medical Center has filed an application with the Illinois Health Facilities and Service Review Board to discontinue hospital operations as it continues to search for a new operator to provide health care services on the MetroSouth campus.

The MetroSouth filing details the hospital’s efforts over the last two years to identify a potential buyer to operate the hospital as financial, operational and competitive challenges have become increasingly difficult. Representatives for the hospital reached out to almost 40 health care organizations about the future of MetroSouth, including all Chicago area providers and several regional and out-of-state health systems. None of those providers committed to operate MetroSouth as a full-service community hospital, but discussions continue with other organizations for possible reuse of the facility as a freestanding emergency department and outpatient services center.

“Closing the hospital is an immensely difficult and emotional decision, but the data is clear that patient needs have changed – here and across the country. Enormous half-empty hospitals are not what the future of health care looks like,” said John Walsh, CEO of MetroSouth Medical Center. “Reuse of this campus as an outpatient center would be a benefit for the community. We are diligently pursuing such an opportunity, but we know the facility will not be able to operate into 2020 as a full-service community hospital.”

Years of decreasing patient volumes, increasing market saturation, reduced reimbursement from government and commercial payers, and ongoing operational losses contributed to the hospital’s decision. Declining patient volumes since 2014 have resulted in exceptionally low utilization of MetroSouth’s inpatient services. The hospital has 314 licensed beds but serves fewer than 100 patients a day, on average; those dynamics mean the hospital is running at only one third of its total capacity. The hospital’s pre-tax losses in 2018 totaled $8.4 million and are projected to exceed $10 million this year.

If negotiations with a potential new operator fail, the hospital will begin to reduce admissions and wind down operations by the end of the year.

Continued Access to Nearby Care

In the event that health care services on the MetroSouth campus end completely, Blue Island residents will have continued, convenient access to care. Emergency, inpatient and outpatient services are available at nearby hospitals within 3.5 to 10 miles including Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Roseland Community Hospital in Chicago, Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, South Shore Hospital in Chicago, Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, or Advocate Trinity Hospital in Chicago.

The hospital will work with referring physicians to ensure patients – particularly expectant mothers – have time to make arrangements for their care. Most physicians on staff at MetroSouth also maintain privileges at other local hospitals.

For Patients

If you are or have been a patient at MetroSouth Medical Center, are receiving treatment from one of MetroSouth’s network of six health clinics have questions about obtaining your medical records, please call (708) 597-2000 ext. 5008.

For Employees

Hospital leadership will meet this week with all MetroSouth employees to discuss possible transition plans. In the event the hospital is forced to close, MetroSouth will continue to compensate employees who complete their employment term, and assistance will be provided to help employees connect with other employers.

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