Pa. Supreme Court issues ruling on Delaware County Memorial Hospital closure

The latest ruling, while coming from the state’s highest court, has essentially no impact on the current situation.

“It’s like the fighter who got knocked down but found out that the other person cheated,” Neopolitano said.

DCMH’s building hasn’t been functional in years. Meanwhile, the rest of Crozer Health is in jeopardy while Prospect and local lawmakers search for a solution and a new buyer.

The Foundation declined to comment.

Bills are going unpaid — even more so than usual. Outside vendors have quit. Most notably, Keystone Quality Transport, which shuttled patients between hospitals, left last week, leaving an already-strained ambulance system to pick up the burden.

“It’s taxing on the employees,” said Kate Denney, union president of the Crozer-Chester Paramedics Association. “We already have staffing issues as it is.”

“So now, where I am used to doing maybe six, seven calls a night, my volume has tripled,” she said, adding she’s been “running like crazy” for the past few weeks.

She said the uncertainty facing the system has staff on edge.

“We don’t know who the receiver’s going to be,” Denney said. “We don’t even know if they’re going to advocate for having an EMS department. Everybody who works in the EMS department is concerned for their job and their livelihoods, as well as the patients.”

In an email sent to employees obtained by WHYY News, Crozer CEO Tony Esposito said Keystone Quality Transport requested a $150,000 retainer to continue services.

“While we value KQT as a longtime partner and made every effort to negotiate, they referred us directly to their lawyer when we sought a resolution,” Esposito said. “Our administrative and EMS teams quickly mobilized to put a process in place to meet the needs of our patients and ensure continuity of care.”

He said the health system is in constant communication with vendors and partners to ensure the continuance of care.

“Some vendors require new accounts, which has caused delays in receiving supplies,” Esposito said. “Our supply chain team has been working tirelessly to prevent any disruptions to patient care — patient safety will never be compromised.”

Prospect’s discussions with state officials to secure the future of Crozer are ongoing.