St. James Closing Delayed Again

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — St. James Hospital, the more than 100-year-old Chicago Heights institution that will close its doors for good this year, had its closing date pushed back again recently. Franciscan Health is still awaiting final occupancy approval for their expanded services at the hospital group's Olympia Fields campus, the Daily Southtown reports.

The closing of St. James has coincided with the Olympia Fields expansion. Originally, the closing was scheduled for July 31. It was then delayed to this week and now to Thursday, Sept. 6, according to the Southtown.

It could be pushed back again if the Illinois Department of Public Health does not give final approval to the Olympia Fields campus by then. More via the Daily Southtown

Renovated nursing units, a new family birth center and an inpatient rehabilitation area are among the improvements made at the Olympia Fields campus. READ MORE: St. James Slated To Close Soon

While all inpatient and emergency medical services will be consolidated at Olympia Fields, Franciscan has plans to continue 24/7 urgent care services in Chicago Heights.

Franciscan officials have said that it was not "conducive" for them to operate two full-service hospitals in Chicago Heights and Olympia Fields less than four miles apart. Although their Northwest Indiana hospitals in Munster and Dyer are just three miles apart.

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