Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PR Newswire, Tuesday, 3 December 1996.
In October 1995, the City's Health Department asked Mercy to work with them to develop a plan to ensure the continuation of operations at the AIDS facility because it was in a dire financial situation. Mercy entered into an interim contract with the City as of July 1, 1996, to operate the facility until September 30.
On July 1, as part of plans to ensure continuation of services, Mercy opened a new skilled nursing facility at Girard Medical Center/North Philadelphia Health System. Girard Medical Center currently maintains 54 skilled nursing beds; one-third of these beds are now specifically designated for AIDS patients. The Girard Medical Center skilled nursing facility will remain open and continue to accept referrals.
Operations of the personal care facility from July 1, 1996, through September 30, were funded by the Department of Public Welfare, Mercy and the City in anticipation that adequate permanent financial funding could be secured. The City, in consultation with Mercy, submitted a proposal to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare which was not approved.
The interim contract expired September 30. Since October 1, 1996, Mercy has assumed the cost of all care delivery at the personal care home.
"The City is actively exploring a number of alternatives to ensure that services comparable to those offered by the Mt. Airy home are maintained," said Estelle B. Richman, Health Commissioner, City of Philadelphia. "We are committed to that goal and the State continues to work with us to identify a solution."
"We are deeply disappointed," said Plato A. Marinakos, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Health Corporation. "Many people invested a great deal of knowledge, expertise and heart trying to develop a model that would continue to serve those with this devastating illness while maintaining its long-term financial viability. Unfortunately, the health care environment makes it financially impossible to maintain the current residential personal care program in West Mt. Airy."
Mercy will continue to have full financial responsibility for the personal care home in West Mt. Airy until living arrangements have been secured for all residents. Mercy will work with facilities throughout the region to ensure all residents are moved to facilities that will meet their care delivery needs.
Sixty-four health care employees will be affected by the closure. Eligible employees will receive appropriate severance and outplacement assistance.
"We are pleased that through our involvement we were able to create a skilled nursing facility with dedicated beds for persons living with AIDS," said Marinakos. "Mercy is committed to the continuation of these services at Girard Medical Center in order to provide quality health care services that meet the specific needs of those living with AIDS."
CONTACT: Lisa Borowski of Mercy Health Corporation, 610-237-4886, or Jeff Moran of the Philadelphia Health Department, 215-686-5042/ 15:43
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