Franciscan St. James Health Announces First Public Meeting on Plans to Provide Healthcare to the Southland

Franciscan St. James announces the first public meeting to review its plans to better serve the Southland by reinvesting and reorganizing outpatient and inpatient healthcare services in Chicago Heights and Olympia Fields.

Residents will hear from Arnie Kimmel, Franciscan St. James Health CEO and Dr. Vernell Johnson, Franciscan St. James Medical Director, Emergency Medicine and other health care professionals. The meeting will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 9 A.M. at Victory Apostolic Church, 20801 Matteson Avenue, Matteson. Community residents and leaders are invited to share their thoughts and reactions to the plans.

“National reforms have ushered in a major transformation of health care across the country and here in the Southland. We are proud of the investments the Franciscan Alliance is making in our community to respond to these changes and serve this region for many years to come,” said Dr. Johnson. “As a physician who lives and works in our community, I look forward to continuing to provide personalized, high-­‐quality care in the best possible environment, both in and out of the hospital setting.”

“We look forward to sharing the comprehensive plans we’ve developed and to correct the misinformation heard by many residents,” said Kimmel. “The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration have served the Southland for more than 100 years with their commitment to health care. This plan will ensure we can continue to provide for our patients and community for many years to come. We look forward to engaging the community in open dialogue about the proposed plans.”

Improved services in Chicago Heights will include expansion of the Urgent Care facility at 211 Dixie Highway to include 24/7 care, improved access to primary care physicians and shorter wait times for treatment. The redevelopment of the hospital campus in Chicago Heights will include an outpatient pharmacy, bariatric/weight loss, outpatient behavioral health and diabetes services and a modernized professional building. The expanded outpatient care in Chicago Heights will be integrated with improvements at the Olympia Fields campus. These upgrades will include expanding the Emergency Department, the development of Obstetrics and Physical Rehabilitation programs, as well as expanding the ICU and Medical/Surgical bed capacity. Upon completion of the project the Olympia Fields campus will provide all private rooms.

“The future of healthcare for the Southland is of utmost importance to Franciscan St. James and we want the community to understand how this restructuring will enhance care to all in the area,” said Mr. Kimmel. “Franciscan St. James has been in the area for over a century and we are committed to providing quality care for another 100 years.”

Additional meetings are planned and will be announced in the coming weeks.