Prime Healthcare Praised by Illinois Review Board as Olympia Fields Acquisition Closes: “Illinois Hospitals Are Fortunate to Have Prime”

ONTARIO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Prime Healthcare announced that it has completed the acquisition of Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, following unanimous approval from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board and strong praise from board members, elected officials, and community representatives for Prime’s commitment to preserving and strengthening healthcare in Illinois through investment, service-line expansions, and commitment to patient-centered, quality care.

Prime’s mission-driven presence in Chicagoland now includes nine hospitals and expands its national system to 55 hospitals across 15 states, with a proven record of saving and improving struggling hospitals, uplifting communities and being nationally recognized for award-winning quality care as a 10 Top Health System by Truven Health Analytics and consistent recognition of its hospitals among the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals.

“Prime’s experience operating Catholic hospitals in Illinois, along with its demonstrated commitment to quality, community service, and ethical care delivery, were central to Franciscan’s decision,” said Kevin Leahy, President and CEO of Franciscan Alliance. “Franciscan Alliance selected Prime Healthcare following a comprehensive review process that included due diligence and careful evaluation of mission alignment, ethical commitment, and long-term sustainability.”

During the Review Board’s unanimous 8-0 vote, members repeatedly highlighted Prime’s track record of turning around financially distressed hospitals, fulfilling commitments made to Illinois communities, and investing in expanded services.

Board Member David Fox stated, “I was impressed with the fact that you had already acquired 45-plus hospitals around America, all of them in highly distressed condition. And you’ve been able to maintain and improve their performance over the years.”

“Sadly, as you know, in the Chicago area, West Suburban Hospital is currently closed. And so we know that coming into save and invest in distressed hospitals is a challenging business.”

Fox further highlighted Prime’s behavioral health investments, saying, “I’ve been impressed with the investments you’re making in behavioral health… I really worry about the care that we provide the elderly… and I think that’s a wonderful thing that you’re doing.” Fox added, “You really do seem to be fulfilling the promises that you made to us back in 2024.”

In closing, Fox stated, “I think Prime's commitments made beginning in 2024…have [been] fulfilled and are continuing... And I compliment Franciscan for choosing, I think, probably the best organization to continue and improve healthcare in the Southland.”

Board Member Gary Kaatz added, “I think Illinois hospitals are fortunate to have you, Prime Health, enter our marketplace and be a player as we try to advance care.”

Dr. Dennis Beedle, psychiatrist and Ex-Officio Member representing DHS, also commended Prime’s clinical investments and expansion of services, stating, “I really also want to commend you…for increasing access for behavioral health services… it’s certainly underserved… and it doesn’t have the glamour or profitability…but it’s…the support people need.”

“So, I think that's a wonderful thing that you're doing…People talk about values and then people do the right thing. And so I think in this case that's the case,” Dr. Beedle added.

The Board also heard public comments supporting the transaction, including from Lludid Maxinez, MSN, cardiac telemetry nurse at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, who praised Prime Healthcare for honoring commitments and investing in technology, systems and equipment to improve care and hospital services.

Ms. Maxinez stated, “I work in a cardiac telemetry unit, and I'm proud to share what things have been like to work for Prime Healthcare and the care for our community. Prime Healthcare has invested 10 million in capital improvements for St. Francis Hospital. It's a powerful commitment to advancing patient care, strengthening our infrastructure, and supporting the incredible work of our staff. This investment is not just about upgrades. It's about transformation...Prime is helping us build stronger, safer future patient care.”

State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin wrote in a letter of support to the Review Board, “As the State Representative serving this community, and former Mayor of Olympia Fields, I believe this transaction presents an important opportunity to preserve and strengthen access to care for the residents of the south suburbs. I was encouraged by Prime Healthcare’s stated commitment to… investing in the hospital’s future.”

The transaction also includes the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity, helping ensure continued participation in the 340B program, support for physicians through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, and expanded investments in graduate medical education, scholarships, and community benefit initiatives.

“The Prime Healthcare Foundation is committed to honoring Olympia Fields’ tradition of compassionate care, while representing an investment in hope that goes beyond the hospital to improve the health of communities, expand charity care, honor physician loan forgiveness programs, ensure access and advance medical education,” said Kavitha Bhatia, president, Prime Healthcare Foundation.

Prime Healthcare has committed to mission-driven investments designed to strengthen long-term access to care and advance medical education, including a $5 million philanthropic contribution to support Franciscan’s expansion of medical education, aligned with Prime’s commitment to physician training through its medical school and residency programs across the country.

Prime Healthcare is a physician-founded and physician-led national health system with 55 hospitals across 15 states and a proven record of saving and improving struggling hospitals and uplifting communities. Prime is nationally recognized for award-winning quality care and has been named a 10 Top Health System by Truven Health Analytics and its hospitals have been named among the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals more than 70 times. Prime believes in ensuring access to care for everyone, especially those in greatest need, and is recognized for its commitment to social responsibility. Since 2010, Prime has provided more than $16 billion in community benefit and charity care, preserving essential healthcare services for more than 600 communities nationwide.

“This is a momentous day because it affirms that trusted healthcare in the South Suburbs will continue and grow. We have tremendous gratitude for the faith placed in Prime Healthcare to carry on the legacy of care in this community,” said Prime Healthcare President and Chief Medical Officer Sunny Bhatia, MD. “We look forward to meeting the community needs by investing in people, patients and community as a part of fulfilling our promise of saving hospitals, saving jobs and saving lives.”

About Prime Healthcare: Prime Healthcare is an award-winning health system operating 55 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations in 15 states, providing over 3 million patient visits annually. It is one of the nation’s leading health systems, with more than 60,000 staff and affiliated physicians. Twenty-one of the Prime Healthcare hospitals are members of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. Based in Ontario, California, Prime Healthcare is nationally recognized for award-winning quality care and has been named a 10 Top and 15 Top Health System by Truven Health Analytics. Its hospitals have been named among the nation’s “100 Top Hospitals” 75 times and is one of Healthgrades’ most awarded health systems in the nation for patient safety. To learn more, please visit primehealthcare.com.

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