Springfield Hospital is temporarily suspending emergency and ancillary services starting Jan. 14 as it copes with staff shortages and the COVID-19 outbreak, writes Pete Bannan for the Daily Times.

Closures include the Emergency Department, pathology, lab, and medical imaging.

Those in need of emergency care will be directed to nearby emergency departments and urgent care centers. 

Outpatient services at the Healthplex Pavilion next to the hospital remain open. 

Crozer Health already suspended its First Steps substance abuse program Jan. 7 at Crozer-Chester Medical Center to reallocate staff where they were most needed. Outpatient substance abuse services at Crozer-Chester remain open.

“Our patient care resources have been strained due to the national nursing shortage and many colleagues out sick with COVID-19, echoing the challenges faced by other health systems locally and across the country,” said Peter Adamo, Crozer Health CEO.

On Wednesday, Jan. 5, Delaware County health department officials said county hospitals were at capacity.  The Medical Reserve Corps has been called in to assist with rising COVID cases.

The Hospital Association of Pennsylvania is reporting a 29 percent registered nurse vacancy rate in hospitals throughout Pennsylvania.  

Read more at the Daily Times about the temporary closure of emergency services at Springfield Hospital.