Overview
- West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park was abruptly closed in late March and most employees were furloughed, leaving only a few outpatient clinics operating on the campus.
- Majority owner and operator Manoj Prasad and landlord and minority owner Rathnakar Patlola have filed competing lawsuits in Cook County seeking control of the hospital’s operations.
- Patlola’s case alleges $35 million meant for hospital operations was moved or misused and seeks more than $24 million in back rent, while Prasad says the money paid payroll and that rent was agreed at $1 per year until the hospitals turn a profit.
- Retired Judge Patrick Sherlock is auditing years of bank records and closing arguments are set for May 29 before Judge Patrick Stanton, who indicated an imminent ruling on whether to appoint a court receiver.
- Faith leaders, doctors, and community advocates are pressing for a rapid reopening because the closure has left a local safety-net gap that could delay emergency care and worsen health disparities on the West Side.