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Chicago Hospitals Face Two-Week AC Repair Delay During Heat Wave

Hospitals attribute the delays to aging HVAC systems that have lacked maintenance under previous ownership.

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Overview

  • Weiss Memorial Hospital evacuated or discharged about 45 inpatients after its air conditioning failed and temperatures inside climbed above 90 degrees.
  • West Suburban Medical Center remains partially cooled with spot coolers and manual temperature checks while its air handlers are repaired over an estimated two-week timeline.
  • Provident Hospital of Cook County has prioritized inpatient discharges, shifted several patients to Stroger Hospital and converted some appointments to telehealth as it runs portable coolers.
  • Family members reported severe heat-related distress and treatment delays, including one patient waiting 30 hours without a doctor after being moved between facilities.
  • Hospital officials say crews are working through parts shortages to restore full HVAC capacity, with repairs expected to conclude by mid-July.