(The Center Square) – The battle to maintain healthcare access in the heavily burdened city of Chester has ended, for now. FTI Consulting announced Monday that Crozer Health will be ending operations.
The firm was the court-ordered receiver for the failing Prospect Medical, a private equity firm that tanked the health system after purchasing it. Prospect was earlier responsible for the closures of Springfield Hospital and Delaware County Memorial Hospital.
“Today, Prospect Medical Holdings will file closure notices and begin the process of winding down Crozer Health and all of its operations,” reads a statement from FTI.
The firm added they were “disappointed an alternative resolution and sale could not be reached.” They thanked the hospitals’ patients and employees as well as those who had attempted to save the flagging healthcare system.
Among them were the Foundation for Delaware County and the University of Pennsylvania. Their donations staved off closure in hopes that a new buyer would offer the opportunity to keep doors open long-term.
When reached for comment, Crozer pointed to a statement from Prospect Medical Holdings saying, “We’ve worked tirelessly with the Pennsylvania Attorney General and other parties to do everything possible to prevent this outcome.”
Legislators were also fighting to find solutions. A March meeting of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee heard from doctors and officials about the impact of private investors on public health and, specifically, the loss that Crozer-Chester would represent to the Delaware County community.
Joyann Kroser, president of the center’s medical staff, pointed out that Crozer was the only trauma center in the county, as well as the only behavioral health crisis center.
Many in the economically struggling community of Chester don’t have easy access to farther centers for care, and in an emergency, time is critical.
“At this time, the focus at Crozer Health remains on seamlessly transitioning patients to other health facilities so that they can continue to receive the critical, uninterrupted care they require, and to support Crozer Health team members as they seek to identify other employment opportunities,” wrote PMH.
