From The Naperville Sun and Joliet Herald News:
Edward deadline extended
July 1, 2009
By JANET LUNDQUIST jlundquist@scn1.com
PLAINFIELD -- The state gave Edward Hospital more time to finish its freestanding emergency room Tuesday.
A state statute allowing for freestanding emergency centers in Illinois was set to expire Tuesday. But Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill removing the requirement that the facilities be licensed and operational by June 30.
Awaiting licensing
Edward's emergency center has been built on the Plainfield medical campus at 127th Street and Van Dyke Road. But Edward has not yet completed the licensing process.
The state Health Facilities Planning Board unanimously approved Edward's application for a freestanding emergency room in January.
While Edward has finished construction of the emergency room, the hospital is working on developing the procedures and policies for its operation, said Edward spokesman Keith Hartenberger.
The next step is to obtain a state license. Edward anticipates filing the necessary documents with the Illinois Department of Public Health within the next week, Hartenberger said.
The state has up to 45 days to inspect and approve the facility, which Edward officials believe will take place in August.
Edward is planning to open the 24-hour emergency room this fall.
Converting existing center
Edward expanded and remodeled its immediate care center in Plainfield to turn it into an emergency room.
The facility can accommodate medical helicopters and basic life-support ambulance traffic. An advanced cardiac life-support ambulance will be on-site year-round to transport cardiac and critical-care patients, once they've been stabilized, to a hospital.
Silver Cross Hospital is also working on a freestanding emergency center in Homer Glen.
The hospital is converting its urgent care center at 143rd Street and Bell Road for the facility.
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