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February 7, 2024
Lake County Provides Shared Expectations for Vista Medical
Center East
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On Monday, February 5, Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek, Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister, and Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart held a joint press conference to address community impact and health systems implications regarding recent challenges facing Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, Illinois.
The press conference followed an announcement from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) on February 2 that Vista Medical Center East no longer is an Illinois Designated Level II Trauma Center in EMS Region 10. This change in status means that those requiring a higher level of care may need to travel further for definitive care during an emergency.
“When someone is having a heart attack, time is critical,” said Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek. “Access to safe, quality healthcare is a human right that should be available and accessible to everyone.”
During the press conference, community leaders and members of the public shared their concerns about the future of Vista Medical Center East and the impact it may have on Waukegan and surrounding communities.
“We want American Healthcare Systems (AHS) to keep our community informed about what steps are to be taken in order for them to improve, replace, and expand services,” said Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. “It is vital that quality services are being provided in Waukegan.”
All individuals present from the Coroner’s Office, Lake County Government, and Health Department expressed their hope that Vista Medical Center East will take the necessary steps to continue serving the community.
“We are anxiously awaiting Vista East’s corrective action plan and the steps they will be taking moving forward to become a world-class hospital,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “Our expectation is that Vista East shares with us how they will successfully provide critical and much-needed healthcare for this underserved community."
Vista Medical Center East has served Lake County since 1923 when it first opened as Victory Memorial Hospital. AHS acquired Vista East in July 2023. For the past century it has played an integral part in providing healthcare to northeastern Lake County and surrounding communities.
Contact
Tammy Chatman
Chief Communications Officer
communications@lakecountyil.gov
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