Jackson decries Franciscan Health Hammond Hospital closure plans

Hammond, Ind. – Rep. Carolyn B. Jackson (D-Hammond) issued the following statement in response to yesterday's news that Franciscan Health Hammond will close its hospital and emergency department at the end of this year:

“At the end of this year, the citizens of Hammond will no longer have a hospital and emergency department. I am outraged at the announcement made yesterday by Franciscan Health Hammond to close their hospital and emergency department and transition to only offering ambulatory services. Hammond residents deserve full, responsive and accessible care. This decision undermines that principle.

“Additionally, I am disappointed by the lack of community input sought by Franciscan Health's administrators. Since they downsized from a 260-bed hospital to a 10-bed inpatient facility with an emergency department, I have reached out to them several times to express my concern and received no response.

“Hammond, Whiting, East Chicago and Calumet City, Ill. residents have all depended on this hospital for 120-plus years. While they will still be able to access care in Munster and Dyer, I fear the additional travel time will cost lives and result in worse health outcomes.”