Possible Cuts at Cook County Hospitals

Possible Cuts at Cook County Hospitals

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.
Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley says the county may have to cut services at its hospitals. Quigley says the county-run hospitals are facing a projected $94 million deficit. He says there’s a shortfall because the hospitals aren’t collecting patient fees.

“The short term problem of management of the hospital is they don’t know how to bill people apparently and collect money that is owed. The longer term problems are management problems at the county level and not making this government more efficient and holding the line on a wasteful, bloated government,” Quigley says.

Quigley points out Cook County is getting less money from the federal government. He expects the hospitals would have to either lay off staff or have them work fewer hours.