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Waukegan trauma patients face longer trips after state removes Vista’s Level II status
Illinois revoked Vista Medical Center East’s Level II trauma-center designation, citing a shortage of anesthesiologists. Emergency patients needing that level of care will be taken to hospitals in Lake Forest or Libertyville, raising concern about access and added pressure on neighboring facilities.
Waukegan residents who suffer serious injuries will have to travel outside the city for Level II trauma care after the Illinois Department of Public Health revoked Vista Medical Center East’s trauma-center designation.
The state agency cited a lack of anesthesiologists at Vista. In a statement, IDPH also said it was disappointed by what it described as a lack of clear communication from hospital leadership.
At a town hall Friday, residents pressed for answers about the change and its effects on emergency care. Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek said patients who need Level II trauma services will be transported to other facilities. Ambulances serving Waukegan will take those patients to Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital or Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville—trips that can take a half-hour or longer, depending on the destination and conditions.
State Sen. Adriane Johnson, a Democrat who represents the area, said the service provides lifesaving care around the clock. One resident at the meeting voiced concern about the added demand on Lake Forest Hospital, saying its staff are already overworked.
Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham called disruptions to critical care unacceptable and said the city would put more ambulances into service to help meet demand. Johnson and other lawmakers are also working on options to keep Vista open, including finding new owners.
The designation loss comes amid broader financial strain at Vista. The hospital faced foreclosure proceedings in July over $2 million in back taxes owed to Lake County. Johnson warned that if Vista closes, Waukegan would become Illinois’ largest city without a hospital.
Johnson said residents deserve care on par with that available elsewhere in the area. The immediate change, however, means patients with certain serious injuries will need to leave Waukegan for treatment.