Delco Memorial Hospital Closing, Converting To Mental Health Facility

DREXEL HILL, PA — Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill is closing.

The facility will close after 60 days, according to its owner Crozer Health.

Crozer Health said the facility will be converted into an in-patient behavioral health facility by spring 2023

"More than 100 patient beds will be dedicated to behavioral health services including a crisis care unit, inpatient acute psychiatric care, acute detox/rehabilitation, and geropsychiatry/senior behavioral health," according to Crozer. "This opening of behavioral health beds and services will aid in the behavioral health crisis in the county and the region."

The Delaware County Council said it is concerned over the plan.

"While this plan aims to stabilize the system, Council is concerned that the proposed plan may limit access to health care in the eastern Delaware County communities," the council said in a statement. "The health and safety of residents is a main priority to Council and the County will continue its focus on ensuring that a wide range of health services and options remain available to Delaware County residents. All residents deserve access to quality healthcare."

Additionally, Springfield Hospital will begin serving as an outpatient facility by the end of the year, Crozer said in a news release.

"Our Crozer Health hospitals, behavioral health facilities, and outpatient campus services will remain accessible when and where it counts with a focus to timely and highly reliable care," Nathan Okechukwu, MD, Crozer Health’s President of Clinical Operations and Chair, Department of Medicine, said.