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.