State Suspends Operations At Delco Memorial Hospital

DREXEL HILL, PA — In the ongoing saga of Delaware County Memorial Hospital, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has suspended operations at the Drexel Hill facility.

Officials cited "serious violations" of state health regulations in the decision to suspend operations at the facility.

Outpatient services are not impacted by the order.

"We have alerted nearby emergency departments and EMS, including our Taylor Hospital and Crozer-Chester Medical Center, that are prepared to see patients," CEO Tony Esposito said.

Delaware County said the suspension is a "direct result of Prospect's failure to adequately staff Delaware County Memorial Hospital."

"Prospect's recent history, including its September 21 announcement of its intention to close DCMH within 60 days, shows a gross lack of concern for the well-being of Delaware County residents," county officials said in a statement. "The County is exploring all of our legal options to try to keep the DCMH open."

The news of the suspension comes not long after a judge halted Crozer's plan to close the facility with plans to convert it to a behavioral health facility.

Before the judge stopped the closure, the Foundation for Delaware County recently filed a petition to suspend the hospital's planned closure.

County officials are planning to discuss the hospital's status at a news conference Monday.