Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx Takes Additional Action Regarding Westlake Hospital

Today Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx filed a motion to join in the Village of Melrose Park’s efforts to hold the owners of Westlake Hospital in contempt of court for violating the May 7 order which prohibited the owners from taking steps to close the hospital. 

After filing for bankruptcy earlier this week, the owners sent letters to staff stating their intent to transfer out all patients by 3 p.m. on Friday, August 9. 

“We joined this vital litigation to protect the rights of the patients and staff of Westlake Hospital and to ensure a continuity of care in the event of a closure.  Despite best efforts and legal intervention, vulnerable residents are now facing an abrupt halt in medical services,” said Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.  “Those most affected should have been given more respect than a letter days before the hospital is set to close.  All county residents deserve access to healthcare and justice regardless of their zip code, economic status, or race.  We will continue to advocate through affirmative litigation for safe, healthy communities on behalf of all citizens in Cook County.”

The matter is up before Judge Franklin Valderrama tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at the Daley Center in Chicago. 

For more information regarding the State’s Attorney’s intervention in this case, please click here.