Delaware County Residents Face Healthcare Crisis as Crozer Hospitals Prepare Closure

Residents of Chester, Pennsylvania, are expressing deep concern and frustration as Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital prepare to close, leaving the community without nearby emergency and trauma care. Community meetings hosted by the Delaware County Health Department aimed to reassure residents by sharing resources and contingency plans, but many attendees felt these efforts fell short and did not address immediate needs for emergency services. Local officials acknowledged the challenges posed by increased ambulance transport times to the remaining hospitals, Riddle and Mercy Fitzgerald, and outlined plans to contract with other providers to minimize service gaps. The closures, precipitated by the bankruptcy of Prospect Medical Holdings, have also raised concerns about ongoing care for those with chronic conditions and the welfare of vulnerable residents. County leaders are working to support affected hospital employees and maintain continuity of care, but many residents remain unconvinced that their urgent healthcare needs will be met. The situation highlights broader issues of healthcare access and preventable health disparities in Chester.