Emergency department restored at Vista West

WAUKEGAN -- Vista Medical Center West, the former St. Therese Medical Center, opened a refurbished, 24-hour emergency department Monday.

Vista Health System CEO Barbara J. Martin said that providing Lake County residents with access to immediate emergency care was a major reason to reopen the facility.

"I am very pleased to announce the return of emergency medicine to Vista Medical Center West. The people of Lake County need better access to emergency medicine," Martin said.

The emergency department will provide around-the-clock medical service under the direction of Dr. Kenji Oyasu, director of Vista's emergency department. In addition to accessible medical treatment, the site will provide laboratory, radiology and psychiatric services, Martin said.

The current project is part of Vista's 70 million investment in the Waukegan facilities.

In January, the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board approved Vista's plan for a $15 million medical office building in Lindenhurst.

Vista officials plan to break ground soon on the 60,000-square-foot medical building at Grand Avenue and Deep Lake Road.

Vista also hopes to receive state approval to build a $99 million hospital in Lindenhurst.

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