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Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL

Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL
Q4 2011 - Market Summary

The near-term demand for health care workers in the Chicago metropolitan area fell during the last quarter as notable cuts were announced. Elmhurst Memorial announced closure of 57 beds in two inpatient units. The city’s mental health and public health clinics also announced service cuts and layoffs of at least 155 employees, and Vanguard Health eliminated 100 jobs at Weiss Memorial Hospital.
On a comparative basis, the Chicago health care labor market weakened during the quarter as measured by its Q4 LMPI score of 43.1, down 6% from the prior quarter, and compared to the national composite of 52.9.

Q4 Workforce Announcements

Elmhurst Memorial to close inpatient services at Berteau campus in February. December 27, 2011
Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare will close two inpatient care units at the building that was once its main hospital, part of a move to convert the facility into a senior care center.
Elmhurst plans to close the 19-bed inpatient behavioral health unit and the 38-bed Transitional Care Center, a long-term care unit, in February as it seeks a joint-venture partner to operate “a full continuum of senior health and housing services.”
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20111227/NEWS03/111229882/elmhurst-memorial-to-close-inpatient-services-at-berteau-campus-in

Mental Health Cuts: Voices of the Affected. December 26, 2011
Some of Chicago’s most vulnerable citizens - those who depend on public financing for mental health services - face a new year that may bring less of something they deeply need: help.
Their plight focuses on Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s recent budget, which would close 6 of the city’s 12 mental health centers serving poor and uninsured Chicagoans to save $3 million.
The cuts are part of Emanuel’s first budget, passed unanimously by the City Council, a $6.3 billion plan that includes layoffs, fee increases and service cuts.
Dr. Bechara Choucair, Chicago’s commissioner of public health, said the city would continue to serve anyone who needs mental health services at the remaining centers or at private clinics paid to accept any overflow of patients. The remaining centers will have to serve up to 71 percent more patients, without a proportionate increase in staff, according to city figures provided to aldermen.
http://www.chicagonewscoop.org/as-mental-health-clinics-face-cuts-the-affected-speak-out/

Vanguard cuts jobs at Chicago-area hospitals. Dec. 13, 2011
Vanguard Health Systems Inc. eliminated up to 100 jobs at Weiss Memorial Hospital and three other hospitals in the Chicago area, part of a cost-cutting response to a weak economy and reductions in Medicare fees.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20111213/NEWS03/111219956/vanguard-cuts-jobs-at-chicago-area-hospitals
http://www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/12-20-2011/West_Suburban_Hospital_lays_off_20_employees,_blames_economy

155 to be Laid Off at Chicago Health Clinics. October 26, 2011
According to the Chicago Tribune, Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bechara Choucair said 155 workers will be laid off as the city sends its 29,000 patients to federally sanctioned clinics. The changes are expected to save $10 million.
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/metro/layoffs-chicago-city-health-clinics-cuts-choucair-20111026

Previous market news

Hospitals & Health Systems

Source: US News & World Report

Education Program Expansion and Closures

No notable education program expansions and closures announced during Q4 2011.

Education Programs

Source: The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Health of the Local Economy

Declining home prices may cause healthcare employees to seek additional hours from current employers, delay retirement plans and be more willing to relocate for a better job opportunities. Below is the Case-Shiller Home Price Index for the overall Chicago-Naperville-Joliet market.

Source: http://www2.standardandpoors.com accessed 1/1/2012

Lower home ownership rates reduce the impact of home price fluctuations and increase the willingness of healthcare employees to relocate for better job opportunities. Below are home ownership rates for the overall Chicago-Naperville-Joliet market.

Source: www.census.gov accessed 1/1/2012

The recent rising unemployment rates create new demands for health services. Higher unemployment shifts the mix away from higher margin procedures to more primary care in the emergency room and critical care for conditions that should have been treated early at a primary care physician. In general, rising unemployment also reduces turnover and engagement of employed workers, while low unemployment tends to increase intra market churn. Below are unemployment rates for the overall Chicago-Naperville-Joliet market.

Source: www.bls.gov accessed 1/1/2012

Additional Factors Influencing HWS Labor Market PulseTM Index

  • U.S. Census Bureau Population 9,569,624, #3 largest market
  • U.S. Census Bureau Population 246th oldest market
  • U.S. Census Bureau Population Growth 5.2%, #221 fastest growing market
   

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