OSF HealthCare recently met with Ottawa city leaders and shared the latest developments in rural health care, not only within our local service areas but on a national scale. Despite many challenges across the country, OSF continues to maintain a strong health care presence in Ottawa, which is essential to delivering the highest level of care to residents.
We feel it is crucial to clarify that the current narrative circulating in the community is not grounded in facts but opinion that misrepresents the role of OSF in providing comprehensive care to the residents of LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties, in addition to two townships in Stark County. As a dedicated health care provider, we cannot overlook the significant health care advancements over the past decade. We are committed to ensuring that all our patients, regardless of their location, have access to the necessary care they deserve. This commitment is at the core of our Mission and Values.
That’s why, as we’ve continued to remain patient and focused amid a myriad of misinformation swirling around, it’s vital that we update the community on our project to replace the current hospital in Ottawa with a new facility. The proposal will not be heard at the August 8 meeting of the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board. The review has been deferred to a later date to allow us time to continue to discuss details of our proposed enhanced plan with city officials.
We appreciate community residents’ and leaders’ interest and feedback regarding our plans. OSF cares deeply about the citizens of Ottawa and surrounding communities, and we genuinely believe the regional health care model outlined in our certificate of need (CON) application filed with the state will meet the needs of this community for years to come. This model serves the needs of all while being efficient and sustainable. However, we have taken your feedback and concerns and developed a new plan, which was with Ottawa Mayor Robert Hasty in June.
The enhanced plan includes adding eight more medical/surgical beds in Ottawa and a second procedure room, bringing the total of med/surg beds to 20 in the newly constructed hospital. Four of those eight additional beds would be used for intermediate care – a higher level of care than med/surg – allowing more patients to remain in Ottawa. This would be a brand-new service for Ottawa. The revised plan would also mean an additional investment of approximately $14 million into the community, on top of the $139 million detailed in the original plan.
We have asked Mayor Hasty and the Ottawa City Council for their support. Without it, we cannot move this revised plan forward. We believe this plan is a significant enhancement and ask that the Council consider and approve a resolution supporting it.
We feel the majority of community members support our plan. The abrupt closing of St. Margaret’s Health Peru from the region negatively impacted patient access, patient care, health care worker jobs – even the local economy. We are concerned about the increased potential of health care deserts in our region if this regional plan does not come to fruition. All people must recognize the critical need to maintain and enhance health care services in the area. It is our desire to expand operations in Peru and establish a new facility in Ottawa. By working together, we can ensure our communities continue to receive the high-quality health care they deserve.
Thank you for your support and patience as we work to bring this enhanced health care facility to Ottawa. We encourage everyone to visit our landing page on the OSF HealthCare website for accurate and up-to-date information on our health care services and initiatives. By staying informed with factual data, we can collectively support the health and well-being of all communities.