Peru, IL – Illinois State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris) released the following statement on the management’s decision at St. Margaret’s Health to temporary close their Peru Hospital: 

“I am extremely disappointed with St. Margaret’s Health’s decision and handling of the temporary closure for the Peru Hospital. It was our understanding that Senate Bill 1435, which would have designated St. Margaret’s Health-Peru as the first Rural Emergency Hospital in the nation, was everything that the SMH management needed from the state to ensure that the Peru Hospital would remain operational.

“The lack of communication by SMH management and the speed in which they acted has been shocking to not only myself, but the entire Illinois Valley community. The fact that I have been recently informed that SMH did not formally apply for this closure until January 25th speaks volumes about the lack of comprehensive planning.

“Given the effect this short notice will have on our communities, I call on the Illinois Department of Public Health to determine whether they have the ability to require that the Peru Hospital remain open for the time being.

“In the meantime, I will continue to explore all options available over and above what the state has already provided to ensure the communities impacted by this decision have access to care.”