The Regional Hospital of Scranton will remain operational as discussions continue with a potential buyer who may acquire the vital health care facility. This assurance comes from state representative Bridget Kosierowski, a Democrat representing the 114th district, who has been advocating for the hospitals future.

In a recent phone interview, Kosierowski stated, The hospital is OK right now, not closing. She emphasized that efforts are ongoing with a collective drive from all involved parties to secure a buyer to ensure the hospitals future viability.

Just last month, a town hall forum was convened by union health care workers, local elected officials, and various stakeholders to discuss strategies to preserve Commonwealth Healths Regional Hospital of Scranton and its affiliated Moses Taylor Hospital campus. This meeting arose following the collapse of a sale in late 2024 that had been viewed as a possible lifeline for the hospital. During the event held on March 13, advocates, including members from the SEIU Healthcare workers union, rallied to protect the critical services provided at both Regional and Moses Taylor, along with the union jobs essential for delivering care. This marked the second town hall meeting since December, reflecting escalating community concern.

Commonwealth Healths parent company, Tennessee-based Community Health Systems Inc. (CHS), has been central to the ongoing discussions. In a statement released late Wednesday afternoon, Commonwealth Health spokesperson Annmarie Poslock revealed that negotiations with Pennsylvanias elected officials to identify a new operator for Regional Hospital and its associated facilities, including clinics and outpatient centers, are progressing positively.

Poslock expressed optimism, stating, We are happy to share that we believe we have reached a deal with the Governors office and other groups that makes us optimistic about the future of our hospital. She added that more detailed information would be forthcoming in the coming months while reaffirming their commitment to patient care during this transitional phase.

Discussions were notably intensive on Wednesday morning, as Kosierowski, a veteran nurse and a local leader advocating for healthcare access, detailed the meetings that took place throughout the day. The initial gathering at 10 a.m. involved hospital and health system executives deliberating on the potential closure of Regional. Subsequent meetings expanded to include board and medical leadership, department heads, and the full medical staff. A key outcome of these meetings was a collective expression of gratitude towards Governor Josh Shapiro and the health systems commitment to keep Regional operational until a new buyer is secured.

At this time, I can say that they are not announcing closure. Lots of active negotiating is still happening, and those that are at the table are still at the table, Kosierowski asserted. This place must stay open and operational for the community it is catastrophic if it does not.

Regional and Moses Taylor operate under a single license following a merger in 2022, although they remain distinct facilities. Advocates emphasizing the need to save Regional also recognize the intertwined nature of services and jobs at Moses Taylor.

Last year, a nonprofit entity, WoodBridge Healthcare, expressed interest in acquiring not only Regional Hospital and Moses Taylor but also Commonwealths Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and other health care assets. This prospect appeared promising for stability in the region but ultimately collapsed in November due to financing issues. In light of that failed acquisition, concerns surged regarding the potential closure of Regional if new ownership was not secured, prompting renewed efforts to find a buyer.

According to a hospital data sheet available on their website, SEIU Healthcare reports that if Regional Hospital were to shut down, the available bed capacity between Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton and Lehigh Valley Hospital Dickson City would be insufficient to manage the patient care needs across Lackawanna County. While hospitals in Luzerne County might accommodate some overflow, closing Regional would likely degrade healthcare accessibility and increase travel times for patients requiring immediate attention, particularly in life-threatening situations.

A 2023 Community Benefit Report for the Regional Hospital and Moses Taylor campus indicated an impressive number of patient encounters, totaling 381,000 at Commonwealth Health Physician Network clinics and other outpatient sites throughout the year.

The closure of Regional would also severely impact maternity services, as it accounts for approximately 70% of all births in Lackawanna County, underscoring its integral role in community health.

While SEIU officials had not received concrete news regarding a change in ownership or the imminent closure, they voiced ongoing concerns regarding Regionals future. The union, comprising dedicated healthcare workers, emphasized their commitment to any prospective new ownership, pledging to collaborate to preserve and even expand services while safeguarding union jobs and addressing community needs. Regional Hospital is absolutely critical for the health and economy of the entire NEPA area. Our population is older, sicker, and needs more complex care than ever before, they stated.

According to SEIU, any job losses stemming from a closure would hit working residents in Northeast Pennsylvania hard. The hospital employs over 1,000 individuals and contributes an impressive $148 million in wages and benefits to local families, highlighting its economic importance.

We are calling on all stakeholders to continue working diligently together in good faith so that Regional can remain open and we can provide the quality healthcare that our community urgently needs, the union reiterated.

As negotiations continue, Kosierowski underscored the collective effort from community partners, including local foundations and legislators, to ensure the hospitals future. When I say everyone is doing all they can, its the truth, she affirmed. Its essential for everybody in the community to make sure we have access to Regional Hospital.