Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn offered $350,000 in emergency assistance funds to a failing Far South Side hospital earlier on Wednesday. The hospital will now remain open at least until the end of the week.
The Governor's office says it is a short-term solution meant to get Roseland Hospital through until a more permanent solution can be found.
Paramedics arrive at Roseland Hospital Wednesday night with new patients a short time after the hospital's board voted to remain open.
"We are grateful to the Governor," said Sharon Thurman, Roseland Community Hospital spokesperson.
Roseland Hospital employees and patients have had an anxious few days, not knowing whether the facility would close its doors.
After long negotiations with the Governor's office to come up with funding, they got an answer tonight.
"It's not easy going to bed at night knowing the nearest hospital is threatened to be closed," said Elizabeth Harrison, patient.
The resolution, however, is only a temporary one.
The $350,000 from the state will only cover the hospital's payroll on June 17.
They have until then to come up with long-term budget solutions.
"I think it is very clear that this hospital will need some restructuring. You know, they are in significant debt. They are having management issues. We just really need the time to get the information we need to make those further decisions," said Cristal Thomas, Ill. deputy governor. The decision preserves several hundred jobs, as well as the closest healthcare option in many miles for Far South Side residents.
As a condition of the state's emergency assistance, independent financial experts will conduct a comprehensive review of Roseland Community Hospital's budget, operations and finances. In addition, the hospital will select an independent chief restructuring officer to oversee the operations and development of the long-term plan.
