La Salle County Council to consider opposing new Ottawa hospital – Shaw Local

The La Salle County Board of Trustees has not opposed OSF HealthCare’s plan to demolish the Ottawa hospital and build a new facility, but a resolution would likely need to be passed quickly for a vote on Thursday.

Board member Doug Trager, D-Ottawa, read aloud a just-received resolution — borrowed from one awaiting a vote Tuesday by Ottawa city council — during a meeting Monday of the county’s Appointments, Legislation and Rules Committee.

Trager’s resolution was not on the committee’s agenda Monday, so a vote could not take place. But during the ensuing discussion, committee members agreed to hold a special meeting Thursday at 12:30 p.m., a half-hour before the full board meets.

Based on this context, the full board could discuss and adopt a final resolution.

Committee members generally expressed support for the city and the overall availability of health care services in La Salle County.

“I think we need to stand with the city of Ottawa,” said board member Jill Bernal, D-Peru.

“I think it’s a shame for them to tear down this great building and have less services,” Trager said.

“I think this is a dramatic reduction in health care services in our county,” said Chairman Don Jensen, R-Deer Park. “To say the least, I’m perplexed as to why they would do this.”

OSF HealthCare had no immediate comment.