Future Plans for Cook County's Health and Hospital Systems Unveiled

By Anthonia Akitunde in News on May 24, 2009 6:30PM

The Chi-Town Daily News continues to be the best source we've seen covering the county's current mental and health care crisis. Establishing an oversight committee and having a pre-approved hospital vendor lists are just a few of the goals the new Cook County Health and Hospital Systems CEO wants to tackle. In his first public board meeting, CEO William Foley gave his three-, six- and 12-month goals for the health system Friday morning. Giving a time line for each plan, Foley said by Sept. 1 the health system will have reached an agreement "with a group purchasing organization, which provides pre-approved vendors from which the hospital can buy supplies," Chi-Town Daily News reports.

The plan has ruffled the feathers of some local businesses who worry they will no longer be able to do business with the county, although the health system said the county has already vetted local groups. An oversight committee to watch performance and make sure consultants aren't "on top of one another" is also part of Foley's plans. Foley said a public relations director, a human resources director and a compliance officer would be hired by Sept. 1.

By Dec. 1, the system will have finished cutting 500 jobs and perhaps have stopped slow payment to vendors while increasing revenues, Foley said. [Chi-Town Daily]