Edward Hospital pushes for Plainfield facility, again

It's an experience that's become all too familiar.

Edward Hospital administrators and supporters lay out their case to build a second facility in Plainfield before Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board officials.

Meanwhile, leaders from other area hospitals offer objections, saying there isn't a need right now.

At a hearing today, the familiar scenario unfolded.

Edward's CEO Pam Davis outlined plans for a $235 million hospital with 162 beds. It's the Naperville institution's third time trying for permission from the state planning board, a fact state Sen. Linda Holmes decried.

"I'm upset to be here today," the Plainfield Democrat said. "We should be at a ribbon-cutting for this hospital."

Officials with Bolingbrook Adventist Hospital, Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora and Provena St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet gave terse statements objecting to the proposal.

Testimony from the hearing will be considered when the health board votes on the hospital plan, which could be in December.