McHenry County Hospitals Face Off Today

Centegra Health System executive Susan Milford thinks there could be three possible outcomes at today’s Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board meeting.

The review board could approve Centegra’s Certificate of Need application for a 128-bed Huntley hospital. Or it could defer the decision until more information is provided. Or it could indicate its intent to deny the CON, Milford said.

Milford is hoping for the first scenario but is preparing for anything. She said an intent to deny does not necessarily mean the issue is dead. Centegra could bring the issue up again at a later meeting.

Mercy Health System is hoping its CON gains approval.

The review board is meeting in a Holiday Inn in Joliet at 9:30am. Today’s agenda includes an opportunity for public comment and both Centegra and Mercy officials are expected to speak.

Centegra and Mercy will also have the opportunity to answer board members’ questions and respond to the findings of a staff report that found both Certificate of Need proposals do not fulfill the recommended number of hospitals beds in the area. The state says both applications exceed the number of beds needed in the area.

Mercy Vice President Rich Gruber said he is looking forward to appearing before the review board.

Huntley Village Manager Dave Johnson said Mayor Charles Sass and Trustees Harry Leopold and Nick Hanson are expected to attend and may speak.

Patch will be covering today’s meeting via live blog or follow us live on Facebook and Twitter where we will have frequent updates throughout the morning.