Mercyhealth plans to appeal ruling in lawsuit against Crystal Lake 'micro-hospital' plans

Mercyhealth plans to appeal a ruling that has halted its plans to construct a $79 million "micro-hospital" in Crystal Lake.

McHenry County Judge Thomas Meyer made a decision last week that nearly concluded an almost yearlong lawsuit between Centegra Health System, Advocate Health and the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board.

The lawsuit alleged that the review board didn't follow its own requirements when it approved the plans last June for a hospital and $18.8 million medical office building at the corner of Route 31 and Three Oaks Road.

The lawsuit called for a reversal of the approval.

Meyer said the proposed 13-bed Mercyhealth facility failed to meet state criteria that require at least 100 beds at the site.

Mercyhealth President and CEO Javon Bea said the battle isn’t over.

“We believe the court’s decision is not representative of a proper understanding of the facts and law, and we will be appealing the decision,” he said. “Over 4,500 residents of Crystal Lake signed a petition in support of the Mercyhealth Crystal Lake hospital, and we received overwhelming support from business and community leaders.

“We strongly believe the residents of Crystal Lake desire and deserve immediate access to 24/7 emergency care and hospital beds, and we will continue in our quest to bring critical health care services to Crystal Lake.”