This report from WNEP-TV16 details the sale of an almost century old Catholic hospital system due in part to the provisions found in the Obamacare healthcare reform legislation supported by Paul Kanjorski.
The Sisters of Mercy first opened Mercy Hospital in Scranton in 1917. Now the facility and all other Mercy locations in the area are up for sale.
"There is always sadness and mourning when you think of letting go of anything but the Sisters of Mercy are strongly supportive of this decision because we do understand the realities of health care and we do think it's best for the community," said Sister Marie Parker of Mercy Health Partners.
She and Mercy Health Partners CEO Kevin Cook said they are already in talks with potential buyers.
They said Mercy isn't struggling but, they added, now is the time to make a sale.
"We are in position of strength and it's always better to make a move for the future from that position," Sister Marie Parke added.
"Actually we're doing well. We're ahead of budget for the year. It's more that when we look out over the landscape of health care over the next five years and the needs of these facilities, the needs of this community, we understand a different level of investment will be needed than what we can do on our own," Cook said.
They said much of that required investment is the result of the health care reform bill passed in Washington.
The CEO said it means the need for more spending and less federal reimbursements.
"Health care reform is absolutely playing a role. Was it the precipitating factor in this decision? No, but was it a factor in our planning over the next five years? Absolutely," Cook added.
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