VA Health Care: Closing a Chicago Hospital Would Save Millions and Enhance Access to Services
HEHS-98-64
Published: Apr 16, 1998. Publicly Released: Apr 16, 1998.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed whether the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) could serve veterans in Chicago, Illinois, with three hospitals, focusing on: (1) the extent of the resources that could be redirected to improve patient care; and (2) the potential impact of one hospital closure on VHA's other missions.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Veterans Affairs | The Secretary of Veterans Affairs should direct the Great Lakes network director to develop and implement a detailed plan for meeting veterans' needs in three hospitals. This plan should explore all options available and select those that maximize veterans' access to services while minimizing to the extent practical, the impact on employees, medical schools, and others. The plan should also identify which of the four VHA hospitals in the Chicago area to close. |
In August 2002 VA announced a plan to close the Chicago Health Care System's lakeside hospital. Lakeside's patients will be transferred to other Chicago area VA hospitals by December 2003. VA anticipates it will be able to generate revenue from Lakeside through an enhanced-use lease with a private sector organization that will finance and develop the property. VA will receive substantial discounts, facilities, services, or revenues.
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Defense contingency planningHealth care cost controlHealth care costsHealth resources utilizationHealth services administrationHospital bed countPatient care servicesVeterans benefitsVeterans hospitalsHospitals