One of the oldest hospitals in Chicago may be closing its doors later this year.
The owners of Michael Reese Hospital, opened in 1881, say the facility has been deteriorating for years and has suffered tens of millions of dollars in losses because of competition from rival medical centers and treating uninsured patients. The hospital’s closing would need the approval of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board. A letter to the board from Michael Reese’s landlord says termination of the hospital’s lease is likely to occur between September 30 and December 31. It will allow the landlord, medical supply giant Medline Industries of Mundelein, to sell the campus to the 2016 Olympics Committee. Mayor Richard Daley has introduced a plan to acquire the Reese site and several nearby parcels, which would allow the city to expand the Olympic Village plans. The ultimate host city selection will come in October 2009.
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