St. Joe's Hospital's Stunning Decision May Anger Joliet Residents: Report

JOLIET — Joliet's news radio station, WJOL 1340-AM, has obtained a statement from the new owners of St. Joe's Hospital and Prime Healthcare confirming that the pediatric unit is being shut down because of declining use.

"To best serve our community, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to suspend inpatient pediatric services and expand other needed critical service lines. We have already invested in state-of-the-art technology and systems to support these expanding services," the statement read.

"Pediatric patients will continue to receive specialized emergency care in our Emergency Department, which will maintain its EDAP (Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics) certification. To further support inpatient pediatric needs, we have established a transfer agreement with Endeavor Health Edward Hospital to ensure seamless access to expanded pediatric specialty care."

On Tuesday, Joliet Patch made contact with the corporate communications staff with Prime Healthcare and they also shared the followed information regarding their decision to implement changes in Joliet, "The Chicago Medical Society supports the thoughtful service line adjustments being implemented at the former Ascension hospitals under Prime Healthcare’s leadership. As a physician-founded and physician-led organization, Prime Healthcare shares our deep commitment to patient-centered care, clinical excellence, and community health. By creating centers of excellence and investing in unmet community needs, this model ensures that each hospital can offer exceptional care while preserving access to services across the region. We support Prime Healthcare's commitment to ensuring sustainable, compassionate, and high-quality care in Illinois.”