A hospital crisis in Delaware County looms between staffing shortages, rising costs, and more patients, writes Davis Giangiulio for Main Line Tonight.

Angela Neopolitano, a 40-year registered nurse, has watched Delaware County Memorial Hospital slowly close since early 2022 as Crozer Health transitions it from a medical facility to a behavioral health center.

By the end of 2023, Crozer’s Springfield Hospital will only handle outpatient service.

Other hospitals in Delaware County are overwhelmed as they pick up the slack.

The hospital crisis has led to longer waits for care and longer wait times for paramedics.

Crozer Chester Medical Center’s ICU is full 95 percent of the time, said Neopolitano.

“It’s just a nightmare for the community,” she said. “It’s a living nightmare.”

Hospitals see higher expenses and stagnating revenues, particularly from Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates that haven’t changed over time.

There’s also the problem of hospital owners making cuts to continue making a profit even in this environment, according to Neopolitano.  

It’s hoped that a proposed healthcare workforce council for Pennsylvania can find ways to end staff shortages and retain talent, as well as work on legislation to raise Pennsylvania’s Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates.

 Read more about the area’s hospital crisis at Main Line Tonight.

Amanpour and Company takes a look at the causes of nursing shortages and burnout.