Crozer Health Hospitals Begin Closure Process in Delaware County, Leaving Thousands Without Jobs and Patients Seeking Alternatives

Crozer Health, the largest healthcare provider in Delaware County, has commenced the closure of its remaining hospitals, Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland and Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, following a federal bankruptcy judge's approval of the shutdown plan. 

The closure process begins Wednesday, with emergency departments ceasing to accept ambulance arrivals, though walk-in patients are still being seen temporarily. Full cessation of services is expected by early May. 

Ambulances are being diverted to either Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby or Riddle Hospital in Middletown Township.

Taylor Hospital will close it's ER on April 28. Crozer-Chester will cease it's operation on May 2.

The shutdown, orchestrated by parent company Prospect Medical Holdings, will result in the permanent layoff of approximately 2,651 employees across eight facilities. 

This development follows years of financial instability and unsuccessful attempts to secure a buyer for the health system. 

Despite significant financial support from state and local entities, including over $40 million from Pennsylvania and the Foundation for Delaware County, efforts to keep the hospitals operational proved insufficient. 

The closure leaves Delaware County, home to over 576,000 residents, with only two remaining hospitals - the aforementioned Riddle Hospital and Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital. 

This reduction raises concerns about increased travel times for emergency care and the capacity of the remaining facilities to handle the influx of patients. 

Community leaders and healthcare workers have expressed deep concern over the impact of the closures. 

Peggy Malone, president of the Crozer-Chester Nurses Association, warned of potential delays in critical care, telling 6ABC, "People are going to die on the way to the hospital." 

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor highlighted the disproportionate effect on underserved communities, noting that many residents lack reliable transportation to reach more distant hospitals. 

In response to the crisis, Delaware County has declared a seven-day disaster emergency to mobilize resources and support affected residents. Additionally, Prospect Medical Holdings has established a call center to assist patients with inquiries related to the transition. 

The closures mark a significant shift in the region's healthcare landscape, prompting calls for increased oversight of private equity involvement in healthcare systems. 

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized Prospect's management, attributing the situation to "greed and mismanagement," and advocated for legislative measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.