New Crozer-Chester owners outline timeline for return of primary care services

CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- Nearly a year after Crozer-Chester Medical Center closed its doors in Upland, Delaware County, the hospital's new owners met face-to-face with residents Tuesday night to outline what could come next for the shuttered facility and its 64-acre campus.

The town hall, hosted by Chariot Equities, drew a standing-room-only crowd. Many residents said they welcomed the chance to be heard after feeling excluded from decisions surrounding the hospital's closure, though the mood in the room mixed hope with apprehension.

"We need this thing now," said Chester Mayor Stefan Roots.

Chariot Equities, the health care real estate investment and development company that bought the property in January, said primary care services are expected to return to the hospital site within nine months.

"We're doing everything we can to make sure that as much care as can be restored as soon as possible will be," said Yoel Polack, CEO of Chariot Equities.

Broader redevelopment plans, however, are expected to take two to three years. Mayor Roots emphasized the scope of the challenge facing the new owners.

"If you were to go to the property now, there's nothing there. There's not a bed. There's not a sheet. There's not an oven, everything is gone. Everything was auctioned off," he said.

Chariot purchased the site after the former owner, Prospect Medical Holdings, filed for bankruptcy and left the facility closed about a year ago. At Tuesday's meeting, it was clear the community continues to feel the impact of the hospital's shutdown.

"We're constantly dealing with people letting the community down, taking their money and running, and that's our biggest concern," said Chester resident Karen May.

Others said they remain cautiously optimistic, saying they are grateful to hear any plan at all.

"We're willing to help them build what we want to see in our community," said Zulene Mayfield of Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living.

Chariot officials said redevelopment will happen in phases, beginning with the main campus. The company also confirmed it is in discussions with well-known local health care systems to operate the facility, though no details were disclosed.

"I don't want to get into specifics only because I want to protect the privacy of those conversations for the best outcome for the community," Polack said.

When Crozer-Chester Medical Center closed, more than 2,600 people lost their jobs, including about 1,200 nurses.

"I truly get information and texts every day with people saying if Crozer opens, I'll go back," said Peggy Malone, president of the Crozer nurses union.

Chariot Equities said the return of primary care services is possible within nine months, thanks to a financial partnership with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

The company also said it plans to hold additional community meetings as the project moves forward.