Released: April 21, 2025
Delaware County’s declaration follows news that PMH is closing Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital
Delaware County, PA — Today, Delaware County has issued the following statement regarding Prospect Medical Holdings:
“This morning, Delaware County was informed by the Chief Restructuring Officer for Prospect Medical Holdings—Paul Rundell—that the company plans to begin formal closure proceedings for both of its remaining hospitals serving Delaware County, Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital.
The county immediately began enacting steps to ensure continued support for our residents in this challenging time, including by issuing an emergency declaration. The declaration will be in effect for 7 days, unless and until the declaration is approved by Delaware County Council, in which case the declaration will remain in place until revoked. The declaration allows the county greater flexibility in hiring, procurement, emergency medical services dispatch, and in tracking and potentially recouping expenses related to the ongoing hospital closures.
Prospect has established a dedicated call center for inquiries related to the hospital transition, including requests regarding patient transfer and care. The email address for these inquiries is CrozerPAInquiries@omniagnt.com and the telephone number is (888) 801-2338.
To be clear, Delaware County is extremely disappointed in this outcome, and in the actions of Prospect in every step of this process. The county has worked tirelessly for months to hold together a coalition of nonprofit entities and community partners who could potentially assume operations at the Prospect-owned facilities to ensure a long-term solution that keeps some level of services in operation for our residents. While this work continues, it has not produced a resolution that has been agreed to in time to avoid this closure.
These negotiations have occurred despite the financial difficulties in dealing with a bankrupt, for-profit owner which issued its previous backers a $457 million dividend in 2018, including $90 million for former Prospect CEO Sam Lee.
Delaware County is also in the process of filing an objection to Prospect’s closure motion, which is deeply inadequate and does not comply with local law. In 2022, Delaware County adopted an emergency ordinance which outlines clear requirements for operators seeking to close essential healthcare facilities that serve our residents. The ordinance requires a healthcare provider like Prospect to provide an adequate plan with 180 days’ notice to the county. To date, Prospect has failed to do so.
With or without an adequate closure notice, Delaware County maintains its commitment to a transition from Prospect ownership of these healthcare facilities in a way that is as orderly, calm, and comprehensive as possible. It is Prospect’s responsibility to ensure safe patient transfer to other medical care, and patients and families are encouraged to contact their current healthcare providers for details regarding transfers and changes in care. Delaware County residents are encouraged to seek additional assistance through the Delaware County Health Department’s Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100 for help navigating local healthcare resources. Residents in need of emergency services can continue to call 9-1-1. Delaware County residents can also consult a dedicated webpage for updates on the situation at DelcoPA.gov/Prospect.
Finally, it should be noted that Prospect currently employs more than 3,000 hard-working and dedicated healthcare workers who have tirelessly served their patients while Prospect’s owners served themselves. Delaware County has been working closely with the Delaware County Workforce Development Board to prepare for re-employment services for impacted workers and is finalizing plans for a dedicated location for Prospect employees who will seek new employers. The county will make additional announcements regarding those dedicated services in the near future.”