Today the IHFSRB approved the Certificate of Exemption application of OSF Healthcare System for a change of ownership of Ottawa Regional Hospital & Healthcare Center. When asked to comment on the Planning Board’s decision, Kevin Schoeplein, CEO of OSF Healthcare System stated, “We are pleased with and appreciative of the Planning Board’s approval of our COE application. We are gratified by the level of support received for this project from the community and business leaders, from labor, from our elected officials, and from our medical staffs, including independent physicians who serve our patients. We all share a vision for the future. ”
The planned integration of Ottawa Regional Hospital & Healthcare Center into OSF HealthCare System can now be finalized. Ottawa Regional will officially become OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center on May 1st during a blessing and dedication ceremony that will be officiated by the Most Reverend Bishop Daniel R. Jenky.
Bob Chaffin, Ottawa Regional Hospital & Healthcare Center President and CEO, expressed his appreciation noting, “We started this process more than two years ago because we wanted to ensure the tradition of high quality health care was enhanced and expanded in Ottawa and the surrounding communities we serve. Many need to be thanked for their tireless efforts starting with our Board of Directors and our medical staff and employees who have continued to provide excellent care and service to our patients. Everyone at Ottawa Regional is looking forward to joining OSF.”
