Illinois Revokes Trauma Status at Vista Medical Center East

The Illinois Department of Public Health revoked Vista Medical Center East's level 2 trauma center designation after its contracted anesthesia group suspended operating room, ED, cath lab, endoscopy and ICU services over a missed payment. IDPH cited the lack of anesthesia staff, required for level 2 trauma centers to respond within 30 minutes, and faulted hospital leadership for failing to give advance notice despite weekly meetings since August. The hospital's emergency department remains open and accepting patients, and the designation loss is separate from its operating license. This marks the second time since early 2024 the hospital has lost trauma status, amid ongoing leadership turnover, a patient death, and payroll problems at the Waukegan facility.