Joliet's Saint Joseph Medical Center shuts pediatric unit, impacts local children

St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois, recently acquired by Prime Healthcare, will close its inpatient pediatric unit for at least 12 months starting May 2, citing a significant decline in demand with an average of less than one patient per day. Affected pediatric patients will be transferred to a hospital in Naperville, about 19 miles away, and nurses and doctors from the unit have been offered alternate roles, though some staff expressed concerns over lack of experience with adult care and short notice for decision-making. The Illinois Nurses Association opposes the closure, arguing it violates labor contracts due to insufficient layoff notice and jeopardizes access to critical pediatric care for local families. The union also alleges Prime Healthcare is reneging on earlier promises not to reduce services or close units soon after acquisition, and highlights additional cuts, including the closing of operating rooms and impending termination of psychiatric doctors. Local government officials expressed surprise at the announcement, noting the impact on community healthcare. The proposed closure still requires approval from state hospital regulators, and the nurses’ union intends to challenge the decision.