Saint Joseph Medical Center, which experienced significant financial distress including approximately $90 million in annual losses, has been stabilized after being acquired by Prime Healthcare. Despite considerable challenges, hundreds of jobs have been saved and created, with all union positions retained and collective bargaining agreements honored, including staffing provisions negotiated with the Illinois Nursing Association.
Integration and Strategic Changes
As part of Prime Healthcare, Saint Joseph is now part of a system recognized by Newsweek as a Best Workplace. To ensure patient safety and quality, Saint Joseph suspended inpatient pediatrics due to consistently low volume—fewer than one patient per day—making it impossible to ensure quality. The facility is expanding behavioral health services and geriatric emergency care (GEDA) to address critical community needs amid a national mental health crisis.
Investment and Recognition
Over $104 million in investments have already been made directly into Illinois hospitals to expand services and technology. Prime Healthcare is nationally recognized for quality by U.S. News & World Report, the Lown Institute, and Healthgrades. The organization recently received unanimous approval from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board to acquire Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, with praise offered for Prime’s service-line expansions and commitment to strengthening healthcare access across the state. Prime’s focus remains clear: to strengthen access to care, support caregivers, and ensure Saint Joseph Medical Center remains a high-quality, trusted resource for the Joliet community.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://patch.com/illinois/joliet/saint-joseph-now-part-system-recognized-newsweek-best-workplace-prime-healthcare