CHICAGO (AP) — Cook County officials have submitted a new proposal for closing a charity hospital in Chicago's southern suburbs and converting it to an outpatient care center.
A state board last month denied the county's request to close Oak Forest Hospital. Cook County is trying again with a 24-hour immediate care center in the plan, rather than one with shorter hours.
The county also created a consumer advisory council on health care in the south suburbs.
The state health planning board received the new pitch Tuesday. It's likely the board will consider the application at its Aug. 16 meeting.
Three newly appointed board members will join the decision-making. The board's previous decision on the hospital hinged on one vote because of three vacancies. Gov. Pat Quinn filled those vacancies last week.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
A state board last month denied the county's request to close Oak Forest Hospital. Cook County is trying again with a 24-hour immediate care center in the plan, rather than one with shorter hours.
The county also created a consumer advisory council on health care in the south suburbs.
The state health planning board received the new pitch Tuesday. It's likely the board will consider the application at its Aug. 16 meeting.
Three newly appointed board members will join the decision-making. The board's previous decision on the hospital hinged on one vote because of three vacancies. Gov. Pat Quinn filled those vacancies last week.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
