There are major changes on the way at Geisinger South in Wilkes-Barre. The emergency department is closing and dozens of workers will lose their jobs.
Come this July, there will no longer be an emergency department at Geisinger South in Wilkes-Barre nor will there be any in-patient services, like major surgeries either.
Hospital officials also said as part of the restructuring, nearly 180 workers are being let go.
"There are 179 positions which are being impacted from this transition and they are really coming from across the board as we transition from an in-patient 24/7 facility to an out-patient facility," said Dr. Steven Pierdon, Geisinger South CEO.
Last year, Geisinger South laid off about 400 workers.
The news of the emergency room closing has some upset.
Jason Thompson lives just down the block from the hospital, in part because, he said, his son is often in the emergency room.
"Really disappointed because it's so close, without having to get an ambulance or having to take a car instead of walking down the street," Thompson said.
"I don't think they should because people need it, you know. They don't want to travel," said Rosemary Jeziorski of White Haven.
The hospital officials said the changes are due, in part, to technology. Better surgeries mean shorter stays and less time in the hospital.
"The most growth in operations are happening when you can go home the same day as their operation," explained Dr. Alfred Casale of Geisinger South.
The in-patient services and ER will close July 10.
Those services will be available at Geisinger Wyoming Valley in Plains Township.
Come this July, there will no longer be an emergency department at Geisinger South in Wilkes-Barre nor will there be any in-patient services, like major surgeries either.
Hospital officials also said as part of the restructuring, nearly 180 workers are being let go.
"There are 179 positions which are being impacted from this transition and they are really coming from across the board as we transition from an in-patient 24/7 facility to an out-patient facility," said Dr. Steven Pierdon, Geisinger South CEO.
Last year, Geisinger South laid off about 400 workers.
The news of the emergency room closing has some upset.
Jason Thompson lives just down the block from the hospital, in part because, he said, his son is often in the emergency room.
"Really disappointed because it's so close, without having to get an ambulance or having to take a car instead of walking down the street," Thompson said.
"I don't think they should because people need it, you know. They don't want to travel," said Rosemary Jeziorski of White Haven.
The hospital officials said the changes are due, in part, to technology. Better surgeries mean shorter stays and less time in the hospital.
"The most growth in operations are happening when you can go home the same day as their operation," explained Dr. Alfred Casale of Geisinger South.
The in-patient services and ER will close July 10.
Those services will be available at Geisinger Wyoming Valley in Plains Township.
