CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- State regulators have granted a request from the owner of Westlake Hospital to eventually close the Melrose Park facility, but the fate of the community hospital may not be sealed just yet.
A unanimous vote Tuesday by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board will allow Pipeline Health to shutter the facility it acquired back in January.
"We're pleased that the board fulfilled its statutory responsibility," said Natalie Bauer Luce, spokesperson for Pipeline Health. "This allows us to appropriately invest in patients, as opposed to an obsolete facility."
The Los Angeles-based company insisted it could not afford to maintain the hospital, but Melrose Park officials have fought the closure, saying it would shortchange residents who rely on the facility.
"The Village of Melrose Park and the Mayor of Melrose Park are dissappointed that the board couldn't find the courage to stand up for the vulnerable people who need the services at Westlake Hospital," said Andrew Mack, Village Spokesman.
"We've fought long and hard to ensure that the people of Melrose Park have access to good, quality healthcare and that Pipeline Health follow the law in Illinois."
With a judge's order keeping the hospital open set to expire Wednesday afternoon, Mack said officials are currently looking at their remaining legal options, including why two members of the board were appointed by Gov. Pritzker earlier in the day.
"We're looking into the validity of their votes."