St. Mary’s Changes Hands

Prime Healthcare has officially acquired eight Ascension hospitals in Illinois, including Ascension Saint Marys in Kankakee. The deal, finalized Saturday, brings the Kankakee not-for-profit hospital under the California-based company’s ownership. Ascension Saint Mary employs about 700 people. The Daily Journal reports the company’s offering jobs to most employees and pledging $250 million for upgrades while continuing charity care programs