Chicago’s Mercy Hospital Files Bankruptcy Amid Plans to Shut (2)

Mercy Hospital and Medical Center filed for bankruptcy on Wednesday amid a controversial plan by its owner to close the historic Chicago hospital.

The Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing comes weeks after Illinois state health officials rejected plans by Mercy’s owner, Trinity Health Corp., to close the 258-bed medical center and open an outpatient center in Chicago’s South Side.

The pandemic has exacerbated the financial struggles of many U.S hospitals, including Mercy. Costs from treating Covid-19 patients have soared at the same time they’ve faced limitations on profitable elective procedures.

“It’s a tragedy for our city,” Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot ...