Treasurer's Opportunity Illinois program aides

Hinsdale long-term acute care hospital

Monday, December 3, 2007

RML Specialty Hospital in Hinsdale will purchase 55 new ventilators and improve its ventilator weaning services thanks to a $1.08 million low-interest loan initiated by Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias’ Office.

The new ventilators will allow RML Specialty Hospital, at 5601 S. County Line Road, to replace 55 aging ventilators that are being discontinued and automate the flow of patient data from the ventilators to an electronic medical record.

“The Treasurer’s Office is committed to investing in projects that will improve the health and life of the state’s most vulnerable residents,” Giannoulias said.

RML Specialty Hospital worked with Giannoulias’ Office and RBS Citizens Bank to secure a $1.08 million low-interest loan to purchase and install the equipment, which is scheduled to be operational at the end of January.

Under the Opportunity Illinois program, the Treasurer’s Office agreed to deposit $1.08 million at RBS Citizens Bank for five years. In exchange, the bank reduced the interest charged on a loan to the not-for-profit hospital, saving it approximately $131,000 in interest.

“The Opportunity Illinois program through the Illinois Treasurer’s Office enables RML Specialty Hospital to provide the latest advances in medical equipment technology for the patients we serve in a cost effective manner,” said Thomas Pater, vice president of finance and chief financial officer.

Owned by the prestigious Rush University Medical Center and Loyola University Health System, RML is one of the largest ventilator weaning hospitals in the U.S. and a recognized leader in best practices for wound care and medically complex patient rehabilitation.

RML treats patients with catastrophic or acute illnesses complicated by multiple medical issues with a staff of up to 80 physicians and more than 400 employees including nurses, respiratory and rehabilitation therapists, psychologists and nutritionists. Established in 1987, the hospital operates 90 beds and serves the Chicago metro region.

“This is a fine example of a public and private partnership improving health care for our region of the state,” said Rep. Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs. “I appreciate the Treasurer’s Office and RBS Citizens Bank working together to help RML Specialty Hospital maintain its quality care.”