In August, the Ravenswood-based Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch Medical Group announced it would be closing its North Side offices and heading to a new locations in Glenbrook and Skokie, with North Shore University Health System.
Rep. Greg Harris is calling for public hearing's on the medical group's decision to abandon its Ravenswood location. PHOTO: Lake Effect News
The Tribune reported:
“We need a strong partner who can weather the storm of the financial crisis,” said Dr. Leonard Cerullo, a neurosurgeon who in 1987 founded the group that operates as Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch.
“NorthShore University HealthSystem is committed to investing in the technologies and programs necessary to deliver the safest and most effective treatment options for patients suffering from brain and spine disease.”
But Ald. Gene Schulter (47th) expressed concerns about the move, and called it “disastrous” for the neighborhood.
State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) stepped into the fray, and demanded public hearings from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Board, according to the Illinois Observer. The first hearing took place Oct. 9.
“This action, which occurred rather suddenly, would result in a great loss of specialized medical care to the community, the loss of around 300 jobs in a difficult economy,” Harris wrote in a recent e-mail (to the Observer), “and would leave a key structure vacant and deserted on the hospital campus.”
Lake Effect News reported that hospital officials blamed low occupancy and multi-million dollar loans for the hospital’s decision to move the suburbs (which must be approved by the state). CEO Peter Breen also said the hospital lost about $30 million over the last two years.
The state will continue to hear public comments – via snail mail and fax – through Nov. 12. Comments should reference Project 09-045 and be sent to Mike Constantino, Supervisor, Project Review Section, Health Facilities Service and Review Board, 525 W. Jefferson, 2nd Floor, Springfield, IL 62761, or by fax at 217-785-4111.
For a good write up on the hearing, check out the Lake Effect News story.
