The Tenor Health Foundation has taken a significant step toward acquiring Commonwealth Health’s hospitals located in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. This transaction will include the Regional Hospital of Scranton, Moses Taylor Hospital, and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, along with several clinics and outpatient facilities.
Details of the Acquisition Agreement
The agreement is currently subject to regulatory review and contingent on Tenor securing necessary funding. Commonwealth Health has indicated that completion of the transaction is expected by the end of the year.
Radha A. Savitala, CEO of Tenor, expressed enthusiasm about the definitive agreement. She emphasized the organization’s commitment to maintaining essential healthcare resources in vulnerable communities. Savitala also acknowledged the contributions of community leaders and hospital staff in facilitating this acquisition.
Community Response and Support
The announcement of the agreement came shortly after feedback from local elected officials, including U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan and Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti. Bresnahan stated that the deal could be finalized soon, with a short 30-day process to complete it. He pointed out the importance of these hospitals as critical healthcare providers and significant local employers.
Mayor Cognetti, who is pursuing a Democratic nomination for Congress, viewed the agreement as a positive development. She has advocated for keeping the Regional and Moses Taylor hospitals open and ensuring staff employment. Cognetti’s optimism stems from extensive discussions involving Tenor and various stakeholders.
Background on the Hospitals
The acquisition follows a failed attempt by WoodBridge Healthcare to purchase the hospitals, which collapsed last year due to inadequate financing. This setback raised concerns about the long-term viability of these healthcare facilities.
To prevent a potential closure, multiple governmental levels and community organizations banded together. They provided temporary financial support to maintain operations and ensure staff salaries at the hospitals.
Concerns on Local Health Services
During a recent event, Bresnahan met with representatives from the Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS), who expressed worries about the stability of Moses Taylor Hospital. This facility is especially vital, as it is a primary location for childbirth in the area.
MFHS President Maria Montoro Edwards reported that many expectant mothers are currently choosing to deliver elsewhere, fearing a service void if these hospitals were to close. The organization has thanked numerous foundations, including the Scranton Area Community Foundation and the AllOne Foundation, for their financial support during this challenging time.
Ongoing Financial Challenges
As these developments unfold, there is an ongoing concern about federal funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This program is crucial for many local families, and its financial sustainability may be jeopardized by the ongoing government shutdown.
In light of these pressing issues, stakeholders continue to advocate for solutions that ensure the persistence of essential health services in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
