1 year, 10 months ago by Scott Hardy
Asks for a review in suit filed in Sangamon County
Blessing Health System says it's challenging a decision made in April by an Illinois review board to allow Quincy Medical Group to build a small-format hospital at the Quincy Town Center.
Blessing announced Wednesday that they're asking for a review of the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board’s recent decision to approve the $61 million hospital. Blessing said they filed an appeal Tuesday in Sangamon County Circuit Court in Springfield. In a statement, Blessing Health System’s Board of Trustees said they're "obligated to raise legitimate concerns" about whether the Review Board didn't uphold state law with its' decision. They say the Review Board is required by law to consider regional health care planning in making their decisions.
They also say that the Review Board didn't consider the affects the decision would have on Blessing. They add that the Review Board's decision will lead to the loss of federal “Sole Community Hospital” status, because of how close QMG's hospital is to Blessing. That status allows Blessing to be financially subsidized for Medicare, Medicaid and charity care. Blessing says that makes up 75% of their patient base.
Blessing says their request for a legal review does not include the QMG Birth Center, which also received a permit.
