Contractors across the region will be relieved to know that the money is flowing again on Cook County construction projects.
County Board Toni Preckwinkle yesterday ditched a ban on construction spending, meaning that workers can get started on $680 million worth of projects.
Half of that total is allocated for the county health department, which is slated to get a new treatment unit at the jail, an expansion for Stroger Hospital's parking garage, and redevelopment of the old Cook County Hospital facility. Read more...
On Friday, as leaders of the Cook County Health and Hospitals System approved a three-year $6.4 million contract for laundry and linen services, small businesses renewed claims that they're being pushed away. And this time county commissioners are joining them in complaining about the health system's use of a group purchasing organization.
The contract, with Cincinnati-based Standard Textile Co., Inc., is expected to save the health system 38 percent of its current contract with Lorain, Ohio-based Angelica Corporation. And health system leaders say a rebate program will net an additional $2 million.
But a growing clamor from county commissioners and small business owners illustrates that not everyone is comfortable with the health system’s use of a centralized group purchasing program, which health system leaders expect to save up to $20 million a year. So far, however, the health system has been unable to prove those savings.
Read more...
Lee Kidd is 56 years old and HIV positive. And he’s fed up with the kind of customer service he receives at the Cook County Health and Hospitals System.
Kidd addressed health system leaders today at Stroger Hospital, complaining about wasting three hours trying to get his wisdom teeth pulled, only to find out the procedure wasn’t offered at the time for which his operation was scheduled.
But patients like Kidd may be heartened to know that customer service is very much on the minds of the county health system’s leaders.
Read more...
Roger Keats predicts his first day in office will be a busy one.
Speaking to the City Club of Chicago this afternoon, Keats, the Republican nominee for Cook County Board president, outlined an aggressive initiation that includes slashing the budget, firing political appointees, letting loose a cadre of inspectors general and handing over documents to reporters.
And, he says, he’d still have work leftover for the rest of the week.
Read more...
UPDATE:
It's new way forward for old Cook County Hospital.
County commissioners today approved a $108 million project to turn the vacant hospital from a hulking and haunting landmark to a busy office, which will eventually house the Cook County Health and Hospitals System administration. Read more...
