Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet is an “excellent facility” that looks like it would meet the needs for a veterans facility in the south and southwest suburbs, a Department of Veterans Affairs official says.
An assessment team from the department visited Silver Cross on Tuesday to decide whether it would make a suitable veterans facility.
On Wednesday, VA Undersecretary Dr. Robert Petzel informed U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-Crete) of the results.
“Bringing a veterans health facility to Silver Cross would make quality health care more accessible in my district and the region, and our veterans deserve that,” Halvorson said. “The visit and the words of confidence from Undersecretary Petzel are encouraging steps forward toward expanded veterans’ health services.
The movement to transform Silver Cross Hospital into a VA started in 2008 after hospital officials announced plans to move to a new facility on U.S. 6 off Interstate 355 in New Lenox. The new facility is to open in 2012.
Tuesday’s update came during a House Veterans Affairs committee hearing to discuss the 2011 fiscal year budget.
Last month, Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center announced its desire to build a community health facility on the Silver Cross campus. Those plans depend on the approval of $6 million in federal stimulus funds.
Halvorson also announced the possibility of turning the hospital into a mega-outpatient facility for veterans that could include employment assistance and other services that could help smooth returning soldiers’ transition back to home life.
Jim Canup, who spearheaded the movement to transform the facility into a VA hospital for the Will County Council of the American Legion, said the VA’s report was good news.
“This is good to know,” Canup said. “This has been a long journey. I knew Silver Cross would get a good evaluation because it is an excellent facility. My wife and I have gone there, and the care has been excellent.”
While Canup would prefer getting “the whole enchilada” when it comes to the VA hospital, he welcomes anything that could be done to improve the services for area veterans.
No final decisions have been made.
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