Summary
The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board approved closing an obstetric unit at a hospital in Elk Grove Village. The labor and delivery services will move to another hospital in Hoffman Estates. Nurses and community members expressed concerns about the impact on maternal and infant health.
Key Facts
- The Illinois board voted 6-3 to close the 28-bed OB unit at Alexian Brothers Hospital.
- Obstetric services will be transferred to Ascension St. Alexius Women and Children's Hospital.
- National Nurses United reported Ascension has closed many OB units, mainly in minority and low-income areas.
- Ascension's OB unit closures are three times higher than the national average.
- Concerns include increased travel time for pregnant individuals and reduced access to timely care.
- The closure was announced earlier this year, with the transition plan detailed on July 2, 2025.
- The closure is part of decisions made in a meeting that also included two decisions involving Mercyhealth.
