Democracy Dies in Darkness
While private equity’s ownership of hospitals may generate substantial profits for investors, there are significant risks involved for patients, communities, and healthcare providers.
By Heather Prendergast, The Hill
The Hill offers nonpartisan insights into government operations and intersections with business and politics.
Hospital Closures and Community Impact
Having spent over 20 years in Chicago’s emergency departments, I have observed the consequences when a hospital vanishes from a community that relies on its services.
When hospitals close, ambulances travel greater distances to reach patients, waiting rooms become overcrowded, and patients arrive in worse condition because required care was unavailable when needed.
What surprised me throughout my career was witnessing this scenario unfold not due to insufficient community support for the hospital, but because the hospital’s assets held more value when stripped away than while maintaining operations.
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