Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra Calls For State Intervention As St. Joe's Plans To Suspend Obstetrics Services

(The following press release is from Councilwoman Ibarra)

JOLIET, IL — Joliet City Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra is calling on Governor JB Pritzker and state officials to intervene as Prime Healthcare plans to suspend obstetrics services at St. Joseph Medical Center on October 1.

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Ibarra is urging the Governor's Office, state healthcare agencies and elected representatives to review the planned suspension and its potential impact on Joliet families, particularly residents who face transportation, financial, work and childcare barriers.

"Joliet families deserve reliable access to essential healthcare services close to home," said Ibarra. "The planned suspension of obstetrics services at St. Joseph raises serious concerns about how expectant mothers and families will access care. Governor Pritzker, Joliet needs your help."

Ibarra is standing in solidarity with the nurses of St. Joseph Medical Center and the Illinois Nurses Association as they raise concerns about the future of healthcare services in the community.

"This issue is deeply personal to me," Ibarra said. "My father received emergency cardiac care recently and my family experienced firsthand how the strain on our entire region medical systems are delaying critical accessible hospital care.

"This is something no one is talking about . The strain that St. Joes/ Prime is putting on the rest of the medical systems in the Will County region."

Ibarra said the reduction in services could place additional burdens on families who already face challenges reaching medical care.

"St. Joseph is currently the only hospital serving Joliet. Our community should not have to depend on a single hospital while essential services are reduced. Joliet needs a long-term plan for accessible, full-service hospital care."

Ibarra is calling on Governor Pritzker to convene state agencies, healthcare leaders and community representatives to review the planned changes at St. Joseph and help protect access to care.

"Our nurses and families deserve a strong state response, transparency and accountability," Ibarra said.

Ibarra is urging Joliet residents to contact the Governor's Office, their state legislators and local healthcare officials to express their concerns and request a public review of the planned service reductions.

"Residents should make their voices heard," Ibarra said. "Please contact Governor Pritzker and your elected representatives, attend public meetings, support the nurses of St. Joseph and share how these changes could affect your family. Joliet's healthcare future depends on community action."