Welch Calls on Governor Pritzker to Reopen Westlake Hospital

WESTCHESTER, Ill. – To help provide additional medical services during the spread of COVID-19, State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, is calling on Gov. Pritzker to reopen Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park.

“What we have learned about the COVID-19 pandemic is that it will continue to put a major strain on our health care facilities and their ability to properly treat all patients that need care,” Welch said. “In order to protect the health and safety of our communities, we have to expand access to health care resources for coronavirus patients and all other individuals seeking medical attention. That is why I am calling on Gov. Pritzker to reopen Westlake Hospital to help provide additional medical resources and services to our neighbors who need it most.”

Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park permanently closed last year shortly after the hospital was purchased by Pipeline Health. Weeks after the out-of-state corporation assumed ownership, Pipeline announced plans to close Westlake. Welch was an outspoken advocate in the fight to keep the health care facility open before it ultimately closed in August. Now, Welch is urging Gov. Pritzker to reopen the closed hospital in order to expand access to necessary health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I applaud Gov. Pritzker for the bold action he has taken so far to protect the public health of our state, including enlisting the help of the Illinois National Guard,” Welch said. “In his daily news briefing yesterday, Gov. Pritzker mentioned that the National Guard’s work could potentially include reopening previously closed hospitals. I strongly encourage the governor to explore this option and specifically look toward reopening Westlake Hospital during this challenging time.”