Supporters of currently stationed OSF operations express relief over postponement of proposed relocation to Peru
OSF HealthCare's plans to discontinue obstetrics (OB) and intensive care unit (ICU) services at their Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, Illinois, and transfer these services to their facility in Peru, have been met with a delay in the decision-making process by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board (HFSRB).
The HFSRB, which is responsible for reviewing and approving major changes in healthcare facilities, has postponed a vote on OSF HealthCare's plan to close their current Ottawa hospital and build a new, smaller facility across the road. This decision comes as the state takes more time to review the materials submitted by OSF HealthCare and the parties involved in the plan.
The materials related to OSF HealthCare's plan to discontinue ICU and OB services at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa are still being reviewed by the state. The review of materials related to OSF HealthCare's plan to build a new, smaller hospital across the road from their current Ottawa facility is also ongoing.
OSF HealthCare has agreed to an extension with the HFSRB to allow the state more time to review materials related to the plan. The extension granted to OSF HealthCare is in collaboration with the board.
In a statement to WLPO News, OSF HealthCare's spokesman, Paul Arco, confirmed the extension. The organisation remains committed to transparency and serving the best interests of the communities they serve.
Meanwhile, the Citizens for Healthcare in Ottawa are actively advocating for the continuation of the OB and ICU units at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Colleen Burns, a member of Citizens for Healthcare in Ottawa, expressed pleasure at the state's decision to take more time to consider all relevant information regarding the closure of the OB and ICU units in Ottawa. Burns also hopes that OSF HealthCare will halt the premature closure of these units until a decision is made by the board.
The HFSRB is collaborating with OSF HealthCare on the review of materials related to their plans for a new hospital in Ottawa. However, the decision regarding OSF HealthCare's plan to discontinue ICU and OB services at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa has been delayed.
It is important to note that the project to transfer OB and ICU services from OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center-Ottawa to Peru is actively underway with documented support as of July 2025. The exact date for the final decision by the HFSRB is not yet announced, but it is expected to occur after standard regulatory review processes following July 2025 submissions.
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- The review of materials related to OSF HealthCare's plan to discontinue ICU and OB services at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa is ongoing, focusing on aspects of science and health-and-wellness that could potentially be impacted by the changes.
- The ongoing debate over OSF HealthCare's decision to close the Ottawa hospital and transfer or discontinue certain medical-conditions services, such as OB and ICU, underscores the importance of thorough scientific and medical-conditions assessments to ensure the best available health-and-wellness options for the community.
