Mercy Hospital and Medical Center (Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons)
Chicago’s oldest hospital, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1852 and the first Catholic hospital in the nation to partner with a medical school, may soon be relegated to history. Citing years of struggling finances, changes in health care and the lack of support from government leaders, Trinity Health announced earlier this year that the 412-bed hospital located in a predominantly Black Chicago neighborhood would close early next year.
A group of neighborhood activists are trying to convince the Catholic health system that runs Mercy Hospital and state lawmakers to save the storied institution, saying that closing a hospital in an underserved community during a pandemic is unconscionable and calling its survival a matter of racial justice. On Tuesday, Dec. 16, a state commission rejected Mercy’s application to close, giving at least temporary hope to community members who want to see the institution r
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Mercy Hospital not allowed to close after unanimous review board vote WLS UP NEXT
The Illinois Hospital Facilities and Services Review Board voted unanimously Tuesday to deny Mercy Hospital s application to close early next year.
That allows for Mercy to resubmit their application at a later time.
The Bronzeville neighborhood hospital and Chicago s oldest, serves mostly low-income residents, the elderly and people of color. I ve had two strokes and two hear attacks and if it was not for Mercy being here, I don t where I would go, said Brenda Moore.
Moore was one of dozens of residents, hospital patients, activists and medical professionals who offered testimony at the board s hearing.
Illinois board rejects plans to close essential South Side Chicago hospital msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.