![]() “They generally occur within a few weeks after the facility has closed to the public. That happens routinely following the closure of medical centers. 31, the Department of Health did acknowledge that a closure survey would be conducted once the facility has ceased offering health care services to the public. With Brandywine Hospital set to close on Monday, Jan. “While the Department cannot comment on any active regulatory oversight activities, if the Department would determine a facility, including a facility preparing for closure, would be in violation of state law, those findings would be documented and made available on the Department’s website at least 41 days following a survey exit date,” the statement said. When asked for confirmation of a post-closure survey being conducted, the Department of Health said that it cannot comment on surveys that are not yet available. When asked for proof of a passed post-closure survey, Tower Health did not respond to two requests for comment. The Department completed a post-closure survey of Jennersville Hospital week and found no deficiencies or concerns.” “Tower Health responded to the DOH letter outlining how we fulfilled our closure plans as planned and in accordance with DOH regulations. WHYY News also reached out to Tower Health about the letter and received this statement: “While ideally that should be a collaborative effort, the Health Care Facilities Act provides the Department with enforcement tools in the event it appears closure is not occurring in a manner that preserves patient safety including imposition of civil monetary penalties,” the statement said. The spokesperson said that the focus is instead on keeping patient safety up to par as operations wind down. The Department of Health said that while its goal is to “preserve” access to quality health care, it generally cannot stop a hospital from closing. A department spokesperson confirmed that the letter was indeed authentic, and that it was sent “after being made aware that several stakeholders felt Tower’s communication with them about the closures of Jennersville and Brandywine Hospital was inadequate and impacting local preparedness efforts.” WHYY News reached out to the state Department of Health for comment about the potential consequences to Tower Health of failure to comply with the closure plan. In a review of the health system’s websites for the two hospitals, the Department of Health found little to no information regarding the ending of emergency services or how to access medical records, and no contact information for those who have questions. It also takes Tower Health to task for not providing enough information to the public. It is inexcusable that you would not make Tower Health personnel available to participate in those efforts,” the letter reads. The health care coalitions and regional partners are making plans to address increased emergency department volumes, compounding of the dire shortage of behavioral health services, and ensuring support and coordination across the region all while managing an ongoing pandemic. ![]() In addition, the letter says, Tower Health had not had a representative participating in the Regional Healthcare Coalition, as well as in weekly meetings to assist with planning and preparedness efforts. WHYY thanks our sponsors - become a WHYY sponsor ![]() Without ongoing, accurate information, EMS is not able to fulfill those duties, which poses an avoidable risk to public safety,” the letter reads. The Emergency Medical Services division plays a key role in assisting and planning resource allocation and ensuring prompt access to care. 22 that Tower Health had not provided Chester County Emergency Medical Services with “accurate, ongoing communication” regarding the hospital closures. ![]() The two-page document, signed by Acting Secretary of Health Keara Klinepeter, says that the department was made aware on Dec. 28, just days before the closure of Jennersville Hospital on New Year’s Eve. The letter of rebuke - which begins, “Dear Tower Health CEO” - was sent from the Office of the Secretary of Health on Dec. Tower Health, owner of the now-shuttered Jennersville Hospital and soon-to-be-closed Brandywine Hospital in Chester County, apparently failed to comply with closure plans that were submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, according to a letter obtained by WHYY News.
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