A 314-bed hospital in Blue Island that closed its doors two months ago but whose equipment has remained inside may be getting a lifeline.
Local consulting firm Third Horizon Strategies is in talks to acquire MetroSouth Medical Center from Quorum Health, according to the Chicago Tribune, citing Third Horizon CEO David Smith.
Quorum has been seeking a buyer for the hospital since July. The facility at 12935 S. Gregory Street closed its doors because of a sharp decline in patient volume. In October, Quorum said that only about 30 percent of its 314 beds were in daily use.
Smith, who also co-founded Health Care Council of Chicago, said he plans to work with other big players in the healthcare industry to restore the hospital. But there are no plans to restore MetroSouth to a full-service facility. Smith wants to focus on reopening an emergency department.
Quorum said there is no official agreement with Smith’s company and that Quorum “continues to have discussions with multiple organizations about the transition.” [Tribune] — Jacqueline Flynn