The ABC7 I-Team has learned another safety net hospital system, Insight Hospital and Medical Center, is working to fill the gap for patients left high and dry after West Suburban abruptly closed nearly three weeks ago. West Suburban's parent company now owes more than $100 million dollars to taxpayers.
"When we heard the tragic news about the closing, you know, we immediately showed up to help in any way," said Insight Corporate Director of Physician Alignment Doctor Asim Saeed.
He explained that Insight has leased space from West Suburban Hospital's Landlord at the former West Suburban River Forest location, hired multiple doctors and support staff from West Suburban and opened clinics for cancer care, primary care, rheumatology and more.
"Those clinics are up, and they're running full staffed, same staff, same everything. And essentially, we wanted to make sure those patients in the community can have continuity of care and continue getting the care that they need."
But, he is clear: Insight has nothing to do with claims of a clinic reopening at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park the I-Team reported on Wednesday or any efforts to restart hospital services there.
"Insight is not involved in any way, shape or form, with any of the activity that's taking place at the hospital, said Saeed.
READ MORE | Oak Park safety net hospital West Suburban resumes some services, met by skepticism, safety concerns
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, an Oak Park native, voicing serious concerns about current West Suburban leadership.
"I have grave reservations about the current leadership team, we've been buffeted through a series of for profit operators, none of which have left a mark in the community," he said.
Harmon confirming state departments are examining how taxpayer money was spent and asking, "We intentionally drove money to West Suburban, to Weiss, to the other safety net hospitals that provide critical service in our communities. West Suburban stands out is one where we can't answer the question, where did that money go?"
Public records just obtained by the I-Team reveal Resilience Health, which owns West Suburban and Weiss Memorial Hospital, both have since closed, owes $104.8 million dollars to the people of Illinois, $74.8 million in unpaid taxes and fees and $30 million in state loans to the for-profit healthcare company.
"Agencies that oversee hospitals. They are very curious, too, and are using the tools at their disposal to try to figure out where the money is," Harmon said. "I'm grateful to the governor's team for doubling down and making sure that they're giving this a good hard look."
Manoj Prasad told the I-Team in a statement Resilience Healthcare inherited significant debt when it bought West Suburban and Weiss Memorial and is working with the state to address outstanding obligations.
The I-Team first reported the Chicago Medical Society requested the governor take emergency steps to reopen West Suburban Medical Center. The I-Team has now learned Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's team has offered to meet with them later this month to review options.