Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • Midnight Flight Book
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • The Arab street Podcast
  • Submit a Press Release
  • Toggle search form
  • Chicago Wolves move to Western Conference Finals, May 2022
    Chicago Wolves win Central Division and move on to Western Conference finals Chicago
  • Convicted sex predator Anthony Martin, senior vice president at Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison's company Morrison Security. Photo courtesy of the Cook County Courts
    Sean Morrison’s judgement questioned in defending sexual predator Blogger
  • Republican conservatives Elizabeth "Liz" Doody Gorman, Committeewoman of Orland Township, and Steve Balich, Committeeman of Homer Township, welcomed attendees at a GOP rally Friday May 20, 2022 in Orland Township
    Conservative Republican candidates rally in Orland Township Cook County
  • Chicago Wolves David Gust, from Orland Park in Chicago's Southwest Suburbs. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Wolves
    Chicago Wolves winning streak continues, one win away from another sweep Chicago
  • Chicago Wolves own Game 1 against Milwaukee Admirals Chicago
  • Congressman Sean Casten
    Casten Introduces bill to Help Communities Facing Flood Damage   Cook County
  • Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement. Photo courtesy of Berry M. Goldwater Jr.
    Barry Goldwater Jr., son of Republican conservative icon, to keynote Gorman rally Friday Blogger
  • ormer City Hall reporter Ray Hanania, ShawnTe Raines-Welch and Nick Kantas, candidates for Judge in the 4th SubCircuit, and Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar.
    Arab Democratic Club forum hosts candidates for public office at brunch May 15 censorship
  • Orland Township hosts Job Fair
    Orland Township events: Walk & Talk program, and Summer Job Fair Business
  • Liz Gorman hosts Forum for Republican Candidates May 20. Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement, will be a keynote speaker
    Barry Goldwater Jr., son of former GOP Presidential icon, headlines Gorman Republican Forum breaking news
  • Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the driver services facility in the Orland Township Building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Also attending the ribbon cutting were (from left): Orland Township Trustee Antonio Rubino, Orland Township Trustee John Lynch, Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly and Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort).
    Illinois Secretary of State’s race is a mess Blogger
  • Closure notice from Mayor Lori Lightfoot for Arab and Muslim owned Citgo Gas Station at at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago.
    Mayor Lightfoot accused of targeting Arab and Muslim stores in gang crackdown Business
  • Two backpacks full of emergency supplies sit ready for action in John and Chloe Clayborn’s Lincoln Park living room — one “go bag” for each of them.
    Maintaining Calm Amid Chaos: Families Pack ‘Go Bags’ to be Ready for Natural Disasters Features
  • Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Dad gains sole custody to protect son from reported abuse Chicago
  • Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker
    Governor Pritzker joins Secretary Pete Buttigieg for ribbon cutting at Joliet Gateway Center’s new Pace bus facility Government
State Rep. Chris Welch

Willis, Welch bill to make hospital closure tougher passes House

Posted on April 10, 2019April 10, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Willis, Welch bill to make hospital closure tougher passes House
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Willis, Welch bill to make hospital closure tougher passes House

State Reps. Kathleen Willis, D-Northlake, and Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, are continuing their push to keep Westlake Hospital open by passing legislation that makes it harder for wealthy health management companies to purchase local hospitals and then close down to pad profits.

“Hospitals need every resource made available to them so they can stay open and continue serving local residents. This is especially true for Westlake, which has served residents for nearly 100 years,” Willis said. “Current law makes very easy for big corporations to put profits ahead of patient care by closing hospitals; my bill repeals that law, making it harder for for-profit entities to shut hospitals down.”

Willis and Welch recently introduced House Bill 123 to make it more difficult for hospitals to close and passed the legislation through the House recently. The bill mandates that any attempt to close or downsize a hospital must be justified by a certificate of need from the institution’s owner. Current law allows for an exemption for a certificate, and the bill corrects this by empowering the governor to reverse a decision made by the Health Facilities Services Review Board regarding those exemptions and potential hospital closures.

Recently, the Melrose Park-located Westlake Hospital was slated to close by its owner, Pipeline Health, after they promised to help the struggling institution. In recent days Pipeline Health announced that they were moving forward with closing Westlake months earlier than originally announced. However, a court order blocking Pipeline from expediting Westlake’s closure was issued this week. This will help keep the hospital open until the Health Facilities Services Review Board can fully review Pipeline’s application. Willis and Welch welcome the ruling, and are continuing to push for a comprehensive process to assure companies consider local health needs before closing facilities like Westlake.

 

State Rep. Chris Welch
State Rep. Chris Welch

Westlake Hospital has served residents for nearly a century, and primarily assists black and brown communities. The hospital holds 230 beds and employs nearly 700 people, and closing this facility could result in potentially longer emergency response times and overflow at the Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park. Willis’ and Welch’s bill are spearheading this legislation with the hopes of keeping Westlake Hospital open.

“Pipeline officials lied to us when they declared their intent to help prevent Westlake from shutting its doors,” Welch said. “Even more egregiously, when Pipeline saw the vast outpouring of community support to keep Westlake open, they unconscionably backed a plan to close the hospital down months earlier than their initial announcement. We will continue our efforts to keep Westlake open and this legislation is part of that process to ensure that residents have access to quality care.”

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Chicago Wolves win Central Division and move on to Western Conference finals - May 28, 2022
  • Sean Morrison’s judgement questioned in defending sexual predator - May 26, 2022
  • Hurley-led Measure to Support Families of Fallen First Responders Signed by Governor - May 24, 2022
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Government, Health, Illinois Legislature, News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:D-Hillside, D-Northlake, Emanuel Chris Welch, hospitals, Pipeline, State Rep. Kathleen Willis, Westlake Hospital

Post navigation

Previous Post: Pekau thinks its all about him
Next Post: Stagg High School Receives National Recognition

Related Posts

  • Cook County Sherif Tom Dart
    Sheriff Dart, State Sen. Collins Propose Legislation to Ban Ghost Guns Chicago
  • Actor Joe Mantegna and columnist and comedian Ray Hanania
    “Sweet Home Chicago” Telethon to feature Mike Ditka, Chicago “Superfans” Joe Mantegna, George Wendt and Robert Smigel coronavirus
  • Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Madigan urges extension of bill to protect women Government
  • From left Lt. Joseph Moore, Firefighter Brian Paliga, Firefighter Bryan Kluever, cardiac survivor Michael Owens, Patricia Owens, Engineer Michael Meyrick and Firefighter Mark Hogan. Photo courtesy of Steve Neuhaus
    Orland First responders honored by cardiac arrest survivor Features
  • Orland Township Back to School Health Fair banner 2021
    Orland Township Bringing Excitement with Back-To-School Health Fair coronavirus
  • Endorsed candidates of the Arab American Democratic Organization in the March 20, 2018 Democratic Primary election
    Arab Democratic Club endorses Kennedy, Lipinski, Fioretti elections

More Related Articles

Ray Hanania's syndicated political column in the Des Plaines Valley News, The Regional News Newspapers, the Reporter Newspaper and the Southwest News-Herald newspaper. Pekau’s Salary in Orland Park: $600,000 in four years Blogger
More than hot dogs food
Three new board members News
Former Chicago City Hall reporters recently gathered to remember Mayor Harold Washington (11-21-17) from left (back) Avis LaVelle, Michelle Damico, Molly sullivan, Dan Parker, Manuel Galvan, Ray Hanania, and (front) Cheryl Corley, John Holden and Dave Roeder. Photo courtesy of Aaron Hanania Remembering Mayor Washington this Thanksgiving Blogger
Seniors in Nursing homes. Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger on Unsplash Officials should take COVID impact on Seniors more seriously Baby Boomers
Skimming through the Obits and life Baby Boomers

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Convicted sex predator Anthony Martin, senior vice president at Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison's company Morrison Security. Photo courtesy of the Cook County Courts
    Sean Morrison’s judgement questioned in defending sexual predator
    May 26, 2022
  • Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement. Photo courtesy of Berry M. Goldwater Jr.
    Barry Goldwater Jr., son of Republican conservative icon, to keynote Gorman rally Friday
    May 18, 2022
  • Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the driver services facility in the Orland Township Building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Also attending the ribbon cutting were (from left): Orland Township Trustee Antonio Rubino, Orland Township Trustee John Lynch, Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly and Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort).
    Illinois Secretary of State’s race is a mess
    May 8, 2022
  • The Political Pundit Comic Strip for May 3, 2022. By Ray Hanania
    The Political Pundit Comic Strip: Anyone who criticizes me hates the police
    May 3, 2022
  • Pekau Sign place along curb.
    Crime is down for everyone but Pekau, he claims
    April 29, 2022
  • Chicagos first minority and Woman Mayor Jane M. Byrne is often ignored by the mainstream media. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Remembering Great Chicago Mayors, not just one
    April 23, 2022

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the driver services facility in the Orland Township Building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Also attending the ribbon cutting were (from left): Orland Township Trustee Antonio Rubino, Orland Township Trustee John Lynch, Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly and Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort). Illinois Secretary of Sta... Illinois Secretary of State's race is a mess Most elections are pretty muc... posted on May 8, 2022
  • Closure notice from Mayor Lori Lightfoot for Arab and Muslim owned Citgo Gas Station at at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago. Mayor Lightfoot accused o... Mayor Lightfoot accused of targeting Arab and Muslim stores in gang crackdo... posted on May 7, 2022
  • Classic and great tasting Shish Kabob plate with skewers of beef, lamb, and kuftah on a bed of yellow and red rice at Zwar in Orland Park. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania Finally an Arab Restauran... Finally an Arab Restaurant in Orland Park Americans will love One of the b... posted on April 29, 2022
  • The Political Pundit Comic Strip for May 3, 2022. By Ray Hanania The Political Pundit Comi... The Political Pundit Comic Strip: Anyone who criticizes me hates the police... posted on May 3, 2022
  • Suspect Joseph Guzman, 20, charged in two separate homicides that took the lives of three people. April 28, 2022. Mugshot courtesy of the Cicero Police Cicero Police and Illinoi... Cicero Police and Illinois State police announce murder charges against two... posted on April 28, 2022
  • NEWS
  • Chicago Wolves move to Western Conference Finals, May 2022
    Chicago Wolves win Central Division and move on to Western Conference finals
    May 28, 2022
  • John B. Schulz, 36, of the 7400 block of Brookside Drive in Hanover Park
    Hanover Park Man Charged with Multiple Felonies After Attempt to Meet Minor for Sex
    May 27, 2022
  • ‘Weird Al’ vanity tour a smash
    May 27, 2022
  • La Grange Pet Parade returns to roots
    May 26, 2022
  • ‘Oui’ to a Paris vacation
    May 26, 2022
  • State Rep Fran Hurley 35th district
    Hurley-led Measure to Support Families of Fallen First Responders Signed by Governor
    May 24, 2022
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Netflix is the best streaming service, despite drop in stock price
    April 20, 2022
  • Book Cover "Laptop from Hell" by Miranda Devince
    Questions remain unanswered about Hunter Biden’s ties to Ukraine
    February 20, 2022
  • Amazon.com's "Day 1" tower in Seattle, WA in January 2017. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Clifford Law to sue Amazon after employee is killed by tornado at downstate distribution center
    January 16, 2022

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • Chicago Wolves move to Western Conference Finals, May 2022
    Chicago Wolves win Central Division and move on to Western Conference finals
    May 28, 2022
  • Chicago Wolves David Gust, from Orland Park in Chicago's Southwest Suburbs. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Wolves
    Chicago Wolves winning streak continues, one win away from another sweep
    May 23, 2022
  • Chicago Wolves own Game 1 against Milwaukee Admirals
    May 21, 2022
  • Chicago Wolves face-off with Toronto Marlies Nov. 13, 2021
    Chicago Wolves sweep AH regular season awards
    May 1, 2022
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • John B. Schulz, 36, of the 7400 block of Brookside Drive in Hanover Park
    Hanover Park Man Charged with Multiple Felonies After Attempt to Meet Minor for Sex
    May 27, 2022
  • State Rep Fran Hurley 35th district
    Hurley-led Measure to Support Families of Fallen First Responders Signed by Governor
    May 24, 2022
  • Orland Township hosts Job Fair
    Orland Township events: Walk & Talk program, and Summer Job Fair
    May 17, 2022
  • Liz Gorman hosts Forum for Republican Candidates May 20. Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement, will be a keynote speaker
    Barry Goldwater Jr., son of former GOP Presidential icon, headlines Gorman Republican Forum
    May 16, 2022
  • Two backpacks full of emergency supplies sit ready for action in John and Chloe Clayborn’s Lincoln Park living room — one “go bag” for each of them.
    Maintaining Calm Amid Chaos: Families Pack ‘Go Bags’ to be Ready for Natural Disasters
    May 6, 2022
Two Guys on PoliticsTwo Guys on Politics

John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications
  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Orland Township hosts Job Fair
    Orland Township events: Walk & Talk program, and Summer Job Fair
    May 17, 2022
  • Closure notice from Mayor Lori Lightfoot for Arab and Muslim owned Citgo Gas Station at at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago.
    Mayor Lightfoot accused of targeting Arab and Muslim stores in gang crackdown
    May 7, 2022
  • John Husnick provides direction at Worth Township Career Fair
    Building Trades Career Fair offers opportunities for students
    April 29, 2022
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Leving to present on dad’s rights legal issues at Horasis Global meeting Friday March 4, 2022
    March 3, 2022
Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme