Delaware County has declared an emergency in response to Prospect Medical Holdings' announcement to shut down Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital, key regional medical facilities. In a recent publication, the county shared that the declaration enables more agile responses in hiring, sourcing, and managing emergency medical dispatches and tracking the costs related to the hospital shutdowns.
The abrupt decision made by Prospect to close the hospitals has shunted the county into swift action, although it comes amidst months of failed negotiations to transfer the hospitals' operations to a stable alliance of non-profit organizations and local groups; the aim was to maintain essential services for the community, despite various hospitals under Prospect's umbrella teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. To manage the transition, Prospect has set up a call center for queries concerning patient care and hospital transfer, reachable at (888) 801-2338 or through the email [email protected].
Expressing profound disillusionment with the outcome, Delaware County officials have articulated their dire exasperation with Prospect's approach throughout the ordeal. As per Delaware County's website, they said, "The county has worked tirelessly for months to hold together a coalition of nonprofit entities and community partners who could potentially assume operations at the Prospect-owned facilities to ensure a long-term solution that keeps some level of services in operation for our residents."
As the emergency declaration is initially set for a 7-day duration, it awaits further approval by the Delaware County Council which could extend the timeframe until it is formally rescinded the community now faces the daunting prospect of losing two pivotal hospitals in a sudden sweep sacrificing both jobs and patient care and it's a scramble to cushion the fallout. Details for the affected employees and what this means for patient care and relocations remain in discussion as the county grapples with the impending closure's reality, emphasizing their commitment to the health and well-being of Delaware County citizens.
