Democracy Dies in Darkness
Private equity ownership of hospitals potentially risks millions for investors and compromises the well-being of patients, communities, and healthcare providers.
By Heather Prendergast, The Hill
September 27, 2026, 7:44 a.m. EDT
The Hill is dedicated to reporting on government operations and the intersection between politics and business.
With over 20 years of experience in Chicago’s emergency departments, I have witnessed the detrimental effects on neighborhoods when local hospitals close. This disappearance leads to longer ambulance journeys, overcrowded waiting rooms, and more severely ill patients due to delayed care access.
Initially, hospitals closed due to financial strain or insufficient community support. However, a concerning trend has emerged. Hospitals may be shut down because their assets are more valuable when extracted than while operating. This change reflects a shift in priorities from patient care to financial gain, affecting those who relied on these healthcare facilities.
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