For Melissa Sonday and her family, the Regional Hospital of Scranton is more than just a workplace—it’s a lifeline. Melissa has spent years as a neonatology nurse at the hospital’s NICU, the only one in Lackawanna County. Her husband, also a registered nurse, works in the emergency department after a nearby ER closed down in 2023. The couple, living in Luzerne borough, is now bracing for the possibility that their livelihoods could vanish if the hospital doesn’t find new ownership.
“It’s been really stressful,” Melissa admits. “If we lost our jobs, it wouldn’t just be our income at stake; it’s both of us. Yes, there are other hospitals, but what if they aren’t hiring? Night shifts would also be tough for our family.”
Finding a job isn’t just hard; it’s about finding the right fit that allows both parents to manage work and family. Their set schedule ensures one parent is always available for their children, especially during school hours.
Hope is a fragile thing. Melissa, who is also a vice president of the SEIU Healthcare union, has been watching recent news closely. The Tenor Health Foundation has signed a letter of intent to acquire several local hospitals, including theirs. However, she remains cautious. Last year, another deal fell through, leaving many wondering if the hospitals would remain operational.
“What’s their plan?” Melissa asks. “Are they going to expand or cut services? All we know is that we’re in limbo.”
The uncertainty doesn’t stop there. There’s been a surprising twist as the board of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital publicly opposed Tenor’s acquisition. Board chairman Justin Matus voiced concerns that merging the hospitals could drain resources and compromise services. He referred to the situation as “vulture capitalism,” and urged state officials to step in for a better buyer—like the nonprofit UPMC.
“The state may have to partner with someone,” he suggests. “We need an established health system, but it’s easier said than done.”
Experts also weigh in. John Wiercinski, a health administration professor at the University of Scranton, believes the community should give Tenor a chance. “Past mistakes shouldn’t cancel out new opportunities,” he states. “We must vet new organizations thoroughly to ensure they’re capable.”
Meanwhile, frontline workers like Joyce Sciandra, acting president of the Wyoming Valley Nurses Association, share similar worries. The idea of being handed over to a for-profit entity weighs heavily on them.
“Job security is a big concern,” she says. “We’re all hoping for an owner who will invest in the hospital and its staff.”
Corinne Cianfichi, an occupational therapist at Moses Taylor, echoes these feelings. “We’re all scared,” she admits. “But we must focus on patient care.”
In these uncertain times, social media has amplified concerns, with many users rallying around healthcare workers and advocating for better community support. A recent survey revealed that 68% of locals are worried about potential hospital closures and their impact on healthcare access.
As discussions continue, stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic but wary. Everyone is hoping for a resolution that secures the future of their beloved hospitals. After all, the stakes are high—not just for the workers like Melissa but for the entire community that relies on these facilities.
For more details about the recent developments in hospital ownership and community healthcare, you can visit Citizens’ Voice.
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