RUSH SAYS METRO SOUTH LAYOFFS CONTRADICTS EARLIER PLEDGE TO CONTINUE DELIVERY OF HEALTH SERVICES

CHICAGO -- Today, Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) said he was disappointed in Metro South Medical Center's decision to lay off 120 employees a year after officials at 410-bed hospital pledged they would not disrupt the quality of service. The legislator was equally concerned the announcement comes at a time when the nation is grappling with health care reform.

"Today's decision is not only disappointing but it also completely contradicts the commitment MetroSouth made last year to ensure the community there would be no change in the delivery of services, "said Rush. "In July of last year the administration pledged to keep the existing level of charity care for a minimum of two years; to keep the facility open for a minimum of three years; and, to keep the same scope of services. Today's move undermines this pledge while forcing scores of people to join the ranks of Illinois' unemployed.

"I worked diligently to keep MetroSouth (then called St. Francis) open and accessible to those in Blue Island and the surrounding community," Rush said. "Two-thirds of those served by this hospital qualify for Medicare, Medicaid or are uninsured. The layoff of nearly 10 percent of its work force will have a direct impact on the quality and overall delivery of health services to the south and south suburban region. The hospital board should re-consider its position and honor its commitment to the community it serves."

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