The Second St. Francis Press Conference

by Jude Coyle

On Friday, April 11th, State Representative Robert Rita invited hospital employees, municipal officials from the surrounding area, residents and representatives from local fire departments to a press conference in Blue Island to discuss the closure of St. Francis by owner, SSM.

Fire trucks and ambulances lined up in front of the hospital minutes prior to the start of the press conference to show support. It was suppose to be held at the door of St. Francis Pavilion, where the cardio exercise center is located and several doctors have offices.

Because of windy conditions, the conference was moved inside St. Benedict's Church. It was over crowded, and people lined the back wall. Acoustics were astounding, and cheers and jeers echoed loudly.

Before the conference began, Mayor Donald Schupek of Posen said that St. Francis is a necessary part of medical care of the South Suburbs. Depending on the condition of the patient and his/her desires, is where an ambulance crew decides which hospital to take someone to.

St. Francis is recognized for their pulmonary and cardiac care. When Dr. Luke Pascal arrived, founder of the Cardiac Care unit at St. Francis, hospital employees stood and cheered. Others to attend were Mayor Keevan Grimmett and Former Mayor Buster Porch, both of Calumet Park; Mayor Thomas A. Brown of East Hazel Crest; State Representatives Monique Davis, Willy Davis, and Kevin Joyce.

Representative Robert Rita opened the conference, explaining that he, his office and many in the State House realize how necessary St. Francis is. He, State Representatives, doctors, nurses, staff and the community have made a commitment to keep this hospital open. He implored everyone to maintain the quality of care, and not close wings. It is easier to transfer the health care certification than to close it.

Dixie Platt, representative from SSM, explained that SSM has been talking to several joint physician groups since last summer, and has received one offer out of 28. Financing had fallen through, and without further resources, the owners of SSM felt that closing might become necessary. It wasn't a decision made lightly. SSM is asking the interested facility to take another look, and seek another source of financing. Hopefully she will know something within the next two weeks. Mayor Donald Peloquin said he was working hard and is optimistic. He is thinking out of the box. Solving this problem could become a pilot program for saving other health care facilities.

Audience members asked hard questions. One pointed out that SSM tried to build a facility in Orland, but could not get the proper certification. They still own the property, which is worth about $40,000,000. Why can't SSM sell it? And why are they spending $60,000,000 to build a facility in Jefferson City, Missouri and $80,000,000 to build in Janesville, Wisconsin? And why is it when St. Francis was the only heart and thoracic facility in this area, that SSM took funds from this facility and invested it in others, and yet SSM is not willing to give back? “Why is it you have suddenly forgotten the mission of the Sisters of the Poor who brought St. Francis to Blue Island?”

Representative Rita replied that no one has anything against Blue Island, and that SSM has agreed to give them time to work this out.

Someone pointed out that part of the reason St. Francis is closing is because the State of Illinois has not raised Medicaid payments in 15 years, and is slower and slower to pay now. He exhorted the Representatives to address this issue, as well as the need for tort reform. Several years ago, St. Francis paid out $35,000,000 because of law suit.

Another audience member asked if Mayor Peloquin had contacted Oprah. He replied that he tried every idea. He found that there is a huge number of individuals interested in keeping the hospital open. He is leaving 'no stone unturned.' As for Oprah, he said that if anyone had her number, he'd call it, too.

In closing, Representative Rita said that SSM will be required to file legal notification by June 1st, but closure is not hard and fast. Stick with them, continue to give all patients quality care, as this effort has come a long way in two weeks.