FOLLOWING PAYROLL DELAYS AND LOSS OF TRAUMA CERTIFICATION, SCHNEIDER CALLS FOR VISTA MEDICAL CENTER EAST TO BE SOLD

WASHINGTON, DC - Following payroll delays for Vista Medical Center East employees and the loss of trauma certification for the hospital, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released a statement reiterating Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham's call for Vista to be sold to a responsible health care operator who can ensure patients receive care and health care providers receive pay and benefits on time.

"Vista Medical Center East has long been dogged by issues that have impacted patient care and overall stability. The ongoing payroll delays by American Healthcare Systems (AHS) are making it difficult for dedicated staff and providers to make ends meet. To make matters worse, the hospital has lost their trauma designation for the second time, due to lack of staff and missed payments with contracted providers, increasing strain on other hospitals in the area. Enough is enough. Waukegan area residents deserve quality care in their community, and AHS has failed to provide it. I join Mayor Cunningham and other local leaders in calling for AHS to step aside and allow a responsible operator to come in and improve quality of care and employee communication and support. I will continue to work alongside local leaders to ensure everyone has access to the care they need, especially in emergencies."