CHICAGO — Prime Healthcare To Eliminate 100 Positions Across Suburban Hospital Network
California-based hospital group Prime Healthcare is slashing approximately 100 jobs across its eight hospital sites and clinics in the Chicago area, the company confirmed this week. The move follows recent restructuring efforts and growing criticism from Illinois lawmakers over reduced healthcare access.
The company, which acquired several former Ascension hospitals in March 2025, cited “staffing consolidations” as the reason behind the cuts. These changes come less than four months after the $375 million acquisition.
‘Staffing Consolidations’ Will Affect Non-Union, Non-Clinical Roles
According to a statement sent to NBC Chicago, Prime said the layoffs primarily target roles that are “duplicated, or not aligned with the care model and service line offerings.”
“All those involved are being invited to apply for any of the more than 900 open positions across our Prime Illinois facilities,” said a company spokesperson.
Importantly, none of the eliminated positions are union jobs, and most do not involve direct patient care, the company added. Prime insisted the layoffs will not affect the quality of care at its facilities and said the decision would help “expand best practices from across the nation.”
Lawmakers Raise Red Flags Over Broken Promises
The job cuts add to a string of controversial decisions made by Prime since its entry into Illinois. In May, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth sent a letter to Prime CEO Prem Reddy, expressing “profound concerns” about the company’s operational choices since the March acquisition.
The letter cited a previous commitment made by Prime not to alter services or levels of care for at least two years — a promise that lawmakers say has already been broken.
“Prime Healthcare has only operated these eight Illinois hospitals for two months, and there are already profound concerns about patients losing access to care,” the senators wrote.
The letter also questioned whether Prime intends to cut more services or close departments in the near future.
Cuts Follow Series of Major Service Reductions
Since taking control of the facilities, Prime has:
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Withdrawn Mercy Medical Center in Aurora from the state’s Level II trauma center designation, following what it called a misalignment with emergency care needs.
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Suspended pediatric inpatient care at another suburban hospital.
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Overseen the conversion of six previously nonprofit hospitals into for-profit institutions.
The hospitals impacted include:
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Holy Family Medical Center (Des Plaines)
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Mercy Medical Center (Aurora)
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Resurrection Medical Center (Chicago)
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Saint Francis Hospital (Evanston)
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Saint Joseph Medical Center (Joliet)
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Saint Joseph Hospital (Elgin)
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St. Mary’s Hospital (Kankakee)
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Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital (Chicago)
Additionally, the deal included seven senior living facilities and a pledge of $250 million in capital and technology investments.
What’s Next for Illinois Healthcare Access?
Despite the job cuts and service changes, Prime insists its decisions are guided by a mission to:
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Preserve access in underserved areas
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Ensure long-term sustainability
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Improve care delivery
But for many local leaders and healthcare advocates, the concern is clear: vital health services are being reduced, and the implications for vulnerable patients are serious.
Sen. Durbin and Sen. Duckworth have requested further transparency from Prime and a commitment to protect critical healthcare services.
Have You or Your Family Been Impacted by These Changes?
Are you a patient, employee, or community member affected by the changes at Prime-run hospitals in Illinois? We want to hear your story. Share your experience in the comments.
