Feb. 26—LEWISBURG — Leaders in Union County expressed their hope for a positive future with the agreement announced on Monday between Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg and WellSpan Health.
Pending a regulatory review and approval, WellSpan Health will assume ownership of Evangelical Community Hospital. It came as a surprise to Union County commissioners.
"While this announcement surprises me, it shouldn't," said Commissioner Stacy Richards. "Despite our community's commitment to and reliance on Evangelical Hospital, hospitals throughout rural America have been closing at an alarming rate. It's very difficult, if not impossible, for independent hospitals in rural areas to be economically viable. Evangelical has been a huge source of pride for our community, and has provided outstanding medical services for decades. Under Kendra Auker and the Evangelical hospital board's leadership, I trust that Evangelical's alliance with WellSpan will continue to provide the excellent medical services we depend on and appreciate."
Commissioner Chair Preston Boop said the county was not given any foreknowledge.
"I'm as shocked as everyone else is," said Boop. "I had no idea it was happening. I don't know enough to understand the consequences, and I don't have enough information to have any idea what to think about it."
Bob Garrett, the president/CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, expressed congratulations to Evangelical CEO/President Kendra Aucker, and the Board of the Evangelical Community Hospital on the announcement of their strategic alliance and connection to the WellSpan Health System.
"This announcement assures local residents and longtime patients of the Evangelical Community Hospital that we will continue to benefit from high-quality health care in our Valley, delivered by our friends and neighbors for many, many years to come," said Garrett. "On a personal note, and as a resident of the Harrisburg area, where WellSpan has a strong presence, I can tell you that this health system is highly respected and has a long history of quality care. At the core of their commitment is the communities that they serve. It is great to hear that our community hospital has aligned with this patient-first, evidence-based, high-quality place of caring and healing."
Lewisburg Mayor Kendy Alvarez lauded hospital leadership for their efforts.
"The world we are in changes at a pace exponentially faster than before and that means adapting in ways much differently than we have before," said Alvarez. "In this particular instance, leadership at Evangelical Community Hospital is being proactive, solutions-oriented, and community-focused. I am certain they were careful and considerate of the community needs — patients, staff and partners — before deciding to proceed."