Nurses and Illinois lawmakers have raised concerns about staffing levels and service cuts at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Ill., following its acquisition by Prime Healthcare, according to a May 4 report from WBBM-TV CBS Chicago.
More than 110 nurses have left the hospital over the past year, and inpatient pediatric services have been suspended. Nurses said the changes have left unsafe staffing levels at times, raising concerns about patient care.
In a statement shared with Becker’s, a Prime Healthcare spokesperson said the hospital had lost about $90 million annually prior to the acquisition and that all union positions have been retained, including staffing provisions negotiated with the Illinois Nurses Association.
The system said it suspended inpatient pediatrics due to consistently low volume — fewer than one patient per day — making it difficult to maintain quality. Prime also said it has invested more than $104 million in Illinois hospitals to expand services and technology.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
