Edward Hospital blasts opponents of Plainfield plan

For as positive as Edward Hospital officials are that they're going to win approval to build a medical center in Plainfield, they're equally as negative about anyone who might stand in their way.

Targeting administrators at three area hospitals that have objected to the Plainfield proposal -- Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora, Joliet's Provena St. Joseph Medical Center and Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital -- Edward officials Wednesday called objections to their plans illogical, self-serving and shameful.

"They know they are taking a self-interested stand on this," said Brian Davis, Edward vice president of communications. "The arguments are tired, they're old and they fly in the face of logic. These three are on an island."

Davis particularly lashed out at Adventist officials who are on the verge of opening a new hospital in December in Bolingbrook.

"Adventist should be ashamed that they are trying to block access to care, even as they open a new hospital in Bolingbrook that Edward did not oppose," he said.

Adventist officials released a prepared response.

"Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital remains opposed to the Edward Plainfield Hospital application," spokeswoman Julie Busch said. "The new Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital will open next month, and we look forward to serving Will County residents."

Edward officials also are touting growing support they are receiving from area politicians and agencies as they prepare for the third attempt to win state approval for a more than 160-bed, $235 million facility at 127th Street and Van Dyke Road.

Wednesday was the deadline the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board had set to receive written testimony regarding the request. A hearing is slated for early December, but Davis said it could be pushed to January.

Will County Executive Larry Walsh "has personally sent a letter of support for Edward Plainfield," Davis said, "and the Will County Center for Economic Development endorsed Edward Hospital."

Because the state planning board now accepts population projections as part of the application process, Davis said he believes the Plainfield project has sturdier footing this go-around.

"The area will definitely continue to grow," he said. "These new endorsements show there is a huge need for Edward Plainfield."