Delco Memorial Hospital Closure Halted By Judge

DREXEL HILL, PA — A Delaware County judge put a halt on plans to close Delaware County Memorial Hospital, for now at least.

Delaware County Common Pleas Judge Robert Shenkin Tuesday said Crozer Health cannot proceed with its plans to convert the Drexel Hill facility into an in-patient behavioral health facility by spring 2023.

The decision comes not long after Crozer announced its plans for the hospital, and after the Foundation for Delaware County petitioned for an emergency injunction on the closure.

Delaware County Memorial Hospital was to close in late November.

"We are obviously very pleased with the Judge's decision ordering Prospect to keep Delaware County Memorial Hospital open," Frances Sheehan, President of the Foundation for Delaware County, said. "He recognized that closing the hospital is a clear violation of Prospect's commitment when they purchased the Crozer Keystone Health System to keep the hospitals open as acute care facilities and that closing the hospital would be tremendously damaging to the community."

Crozer and the Foundation are to meet, per Shenkin's ruling, this week to discuss the facility's future.

"The County is pleased to learn of Judge Shenkin’s decision," Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor said. "The injunction will serve to keep DCMH open to provide care to the community, while the Foundation for Delaware County and the County consider the best way to work with Prospect-Crozer to provide stable, high-quality healthcare to Delaware County residents. If asked to participate, the County will join in any discussions between the Foundation and Prospect-Crozer."

Crozer said in an email to Patch that it is conferring with its counsel regarding the ruling.