JOLIET – Following the announcement of Ascension selling St. Joseph’s Hospital to Prime Health Care – a for-profit California based company – State Senator Rachel Ventura released the following statement:

“After hearing the announcement that Ascension will be switching to an out-of-state company, I immediately thought of all the nurses and medical staff that I have been on the picket line with for months.

“They are our friends, family, and the people who sacrifice everything to keep us safe and healthy.

“I remain steadfast in my support of all the staff at St. Joe’s. I have been in contact with Ascension to plan a town hall in order to provide answers to the community. When we have finalized more details, I intend to invite hospital employees and the community to attend.

“Ascension has assured me that all staff positions will remain during the transition. Our nurses are our lifeline and I will never stop fighting to ensure their voices are heard and that they are treated fairly. Day in and day out they fight for us – we should all fight for them too.”