The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board has approved a controversial plan to shut down Oak Forest Hospital. The board voted 7 to 1 to change the hospital into an out-patient medical center with 24-hour service.

It was the second attempt this year to turn the south suburban hospital after a two-year saga. The latest request was filed in June, just weeks after the state board rejected a similar plan by just one vote. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle pushed hard for the plan because she has said a budget has already eliminated funding for a full hospital. The hospital was cut out of the budget since June 1, costing the county $2 million per month during that period of limbo.