Congressman Brad Schneider Calls for Sale of Vista Medical Center East as Hospital Crisis Deepens

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (November 12, 2026) — U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider is joining Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham and other local leaders in demanding that American Healthcare Systems (AHS) relinquish control of Vista Medical Center East, as the hospital faces mounting financial problems, repeated payroll delays, and the loss of its trauma center designation for the second time in less than three years.

In a statement released Wednesday, November 11, Schneider sharply criticized the hospital’s ownership, accusing AHS of failing to provide the reliable healthcare services that Waukegan and surrounding Lake County communities deserve.

“Vista Medical Center East has long been dogged by issues that have impacted patient care and overall stability,” Schneider stated. “The ongoing payroll delays by American Healthcare Systems (AHS) are making it difficult for dedicated staff and providers to make ends meet.”

The congressman’s remarks come as the hospital continues to face significant operational challenges that have disrupted emergency medical services throughout northeastern Lake County.

On October 23, the Illinois Department of Public Health revoked Vista Medical Center East’s Level II trauma center designation after the hospital’s contracted anesthesia providers suspended services over an unpaid invoice. The designation had previously been revoked in February 2024 before being restored the following month.

The situation escalated further on November 7, when state health officials placed Vista Medical Center East on a mandatory emergency medical services bypass, preventing ambulances from transporting patients to the hospital until further notice.

The order forced fire departments throughout the region, including Waukegan, North Chicago, Winthrop Harbor, and neighboring communities, to adjust their emergency transportation procedures. Patients requiring ambulance transportation are now being directed to alternative medical facilities, including Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital and Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

Although Vista’s emergency department continues to accept walk-in patients, the ambulance restrictions have raised concerns about emergency response times and the availability of nearby hospital care.

Waukegan Fire Chief Matthew Burleson recently reported that ambulance transportation times that previously averaged approximately five minutes could now take 20 to 25 minutes, significantly increasing the time emergency crews spend transporting patients.

The hospital’s financial troubles have also affected its workforce. Employees were notified on November 6 that payroll would again be delayed, continuing a pattern of payment problems that has included late wages and previously issued checks being returned for insufficient funds.

American Healthcare Systems, which acquired Vista Medical Center East in July 2023, has faced increasing scrutiny over its financial management and ability to maintain essential hospital services.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has described the payroll failures as unacceptable and irresponsible, expressing concern about the company’s financial management, communication, and contingency planning.

Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham has been among the most vocal officials demanding a change in ownership. Following the latest payroll problems, Cunningham called on AHS to sell the hospital to a responsible healthcare operator capable of restoring financial stability and protecting patient care.

“Enough is enough. It is time for American Healthcare Systems to step aside, transition away from Vista Medical Center East, and sell the hospital to a responsible healthcare operator. The community deserves better,” Cunningham stated.

Schneider echoed those concerns Wednesday, emphasizing the growing burden on neighboring hospitals as Vista’s emergency capabilities remain restricted.

“Enough is enough. Waukegan area residents deserve quality care in their community, and AHS has failed to provide it,” Schneider said.

The congressman also expressed support for transferring hospital operations to new leadership.

“I join Mayor Cunningham and other local leaders in calling for AHS to step aside and allow a responsible operator to come in and improve quality of care and employee communication and support,” Schneider stated.

The pressure comes as American Healthcare Systems faces questions about Vista’s long-term financial future, including outstanding property taxes and previously reported debts to service providers.

Despite the mounting criticism, AHS has indicated that it may be willing to consider a change in ownership. Company Chief Operating Officer Evelina Sarian recently stated that AHS would be open to discussing a sale or even donating the hospital to a qualified nonprofit organization committed to maintaining healthcare services in the community.

The company has also maintained that it is working to address payroll concerns and stabilize hospital operations.

For northeastern Lake County residents, the future of Vista Medical Center East remains a pressing issue. The hospital serves a region where access to nearby emergency medical care is particularly important, and its continuing operational difficulties have increased reliance on hospitals farther from Waukegan.

State Senator Adriane Johnson has also announced plans to pursue legislation aimed at strengthening financially vulnerable hospitals and expanding access to emergency medical facilities in underserved communities.

Meanwhile, Schneider has pledged to continue working alongside local officials to address the crisis.

“I will continue to work alongside local leaders to ensure everyone has access to the care they need, especially in emergencies,” Schneider stated.

As calls for new ownership intensify, no finalized agreement to sell or transfer Vista Medical Center East has been announced. The hospital’s future remains uncertain, with healthcare workers, local officials, and residents awaiting a sustainable solution that will restore dependable medical services to northeastern Lake County.

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