A For-Profit Hospital Slashed Costs. Then a Patient Froze to Death on Its Roof.

Chelsea Adolphus had been bleeding for a week. She told Danny Gyal, her best friend, that it was like a period that wouldn't end. It was getting worse, and she felt so weak she couldn't stand.

Adolphus' mother eventually convinced her to call 911, and early on the morning of January 22, 2025, an ambulance took her to the only emergency room in town: Vista Medical Center East. After so much blood loss, the 28-year-old was disoriented and anemic. Staff at the Waukegan, Illinois, hospital examined her and noted symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. They gave her Ativan and had her settle in for monitoring...