Edward is making strides in Plainfield

Amid extensive media coverage of Edward Hospital's multiyear odyssey to try to gain approval for a hospital in Plainfield, we don't want some important points to get lost.

First, Edward already has built an extensive medical center on our Edward Plainfield campus with more than 50,000 outpatient visits last year, ranging from immediate care to same-day surgeries to mammograms to primary care and specialty physician visits. And our new cancer center opens later this year.

Second, Edward did receive approval for a free-standing emergency center, also to open this year. The facility will feature 15 treatment stations open 24/7/365 with ER-certified physicians treating basic emergencies. An advanced cardiac life-support ambulance (ACLS) will be on-site to transport cardiac and critical-care patients, once they've been stabilized.

Third, while we're building a medical center, a key ingredient is obviously missing - hospital beds. And we won't give up on seeking approval from the state to bring a hospital to Plainfield because we're already investing more than $80 million in the buildings and services on the campus, and the people of the region are responding by selecting Edward - and it's the right thing to do to improve access to quality care.

Fourth, while other area hospitals may hide behind outdated regulations, we are seeking real reforms in how the state reviews hospital expansions.

Last, and most important, we are extremely grateful to the civic leaders, elected officials and residents in the region who continue to support improved access to health care. Together we're building a first-class medical campus, and our collective dream of a hospital will someday come true.

I'd also like to personally thank everyone who has offered support of my efforts to expose corruption in Illinois. Your support means a lot to me.

Pam Davis

President & CEO

Edward Hospital & Health Services

Naperville