However, a study by a consulting firm found that the hospital would need $52 million in upgrades — including a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and new imaging equipment — to be ready for a partnership, according to the report. If the two hospitals agree to an affiliation, UC physicians would treat Provident patients and the hospital would serve as an additional emergency treatment site for patients using the UC system.
Provident lost $98 million in 2009, due largely to most of its patients being uninsured, according to the report. Officials hope a partnership with UC would bring more Medicaid patients to the facility.
Read the Chicago Tribune’s report on Provident Hospital.
