Edward health reform tactics ironic

It is no secret that our hospitals have opposed the plans for a new full-service hospital in Plainfield for many years. We have done so because the Edward Hospital application has time and again failed to meet state rules for approval. None of the board members voting against the applications are among those implicated in any foul play. Simply said, existing facilities are adequately meeting the needs of Plainfield area residents.

Each of our hospitals, along with Edward itself and Silver Cross, treats patients from Will County. Moreover, with the new Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital up and running with plenty of availability and the population growth of Plainfield at a standstill, our position has never been more clear.

It is unfortunate that Pamela Meyer Davis and Edward Hospital continue to try every means possible to gain approval. Their latest antic in Springfield is to fire state staff and to change the rules for approving new hospitals.

Edward Hospital is playing politics with health care. They are using the same tactics they have railed against over the years. In fact, playing politics with state agencies and boards is exactly what the Illinois Reform Commission, on which Ms. Davis sits, has advocated against. Ironic isn't it?

Jeffrey Brickman

SVP and Regional CEO, Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, Joliet

Barry Finn

president and CEO, Rush-Copley Medical Center, Aurora

Rick Mace

CEO, Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital