E-News Signup



*Enter your email address and click submit to receive my E-newsletter.

Contact Judy Button

Search Bill

  • Search Bill

    Search by keyword:  
    Search by bill number:  
Print

Silver Cross Hospital Update

Since July 2008, U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert has been working with area veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Silver Cross Hospital to expand and improve veterans' health care services in our communty.  When local veterans approached Rep. Biggert with the idea of converting Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet into a veteran health care facility, she began working in a bi-partisan manner to see the idea move forward.  Included below are updates on this project from the VA and Rep. Biggert. 
 


VA Outlines Timeline of Silver Cross Acquisition Process
September 18, 2010

Background and Purpose: On September 15, the Hines VA Hospital and VISN 12 Network Office received several calls from media outlets and Congressional offices following an announcement made by Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson (IL) on VA’s acquisition of Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, IL. Congresswoman Halvorson, in her statements to the media, indicated that the acquisition will occur.  VISN 12 and Hines VAH were unaware of the pending announcement by Congresswoman Halvorson. This information paper is provided for background on the history of this issue and current status.

  • The current Joliet, IL Community Based Outpatient Clinic was established in 1995 and has 7,200 square feet.  Current services include primary care, mental health, and home based primary care.  With the growing numbers of Veterans that reside in Will and Grundy Counties, VISN 12 had identified the need to expand the clinic and services for Veterans in those areas.
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is interested in acquiring the Silver Cross Hospital Emergency Department in Joliet, IL, which is currently being used for emergency and trauma treatment as well as other medical and administrative functions.
  • VA and Silver Cross have been in ongoing discussions on acquisition of the property, which would be used by VISN 12 as an outpatient clinic for primary care, mental health services, as well as other ancillary services to be determined at a later date. 
  • Recently, VA and Silver Cross reached a verbal agreement in principle concerning the purchase price and specific acreage that would be conveyed with the building.
  • While progress has been made, there are a number of outstanding items that need to be resolved before a deal is final. Terms and conditions of the acquisition are currently being formalized in a written Offer to Sell, which is expected to take several weeks to negotiate.
  •  When negotiations are completed, the Offer will need to undergo legal review by both VA and Silver Cross. 
  • Prior to VA taking title to the property, the Government must satisfy its obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).  This process usually takes 4-6 months to complete. In addition, VA must ensure that title is clear and receive approval from the Attorney General of the United States.
  • The Secretary of VA must approve the acquisition prior to closing on the title.
  • Although most of the remaining steps can be accomplished concurrently, it will take several months to complete the process.
  • Closing of the real estate transaction, with VA taking title to the property, will not occur until Silver Cross vacates the property, which is expected to be in early 2012.
  • VA continues to improve access to Veterans.  Acquisition of the Silver Cross Emergency Department would enable VA to expand its access to Veterans in the Joliet area.  In addition, VISN 12 is expanding outpatient clinics in the LaSalle and Kankakee areas.

The Braidwood Journal, 3-18-09: Congressional Delegation promotes new VA hospital

Biggert Pushes Local Vets Priorities: Met with VA Secretary to discuss Silver Cross and veterans' services
March 13, 2009