SHARON, Pa. (WKBN) — A large-scale community gathering of those opposed to the closing of Sharon Regional Medical Center took place Wednesday night outside the hospital.
Doctors, nurses and custodial staff were joined by community members and politicians all rallying to keep their hospital open. 150 of them lined the sidewalk outside the main entrance of Sharon Regional Medical Center as horns of support blared along East State Street.
“It employs a lot of our community members,” said Sharon resident Amy Rigby.
Rigby lives in Sharon. Her sister has worked at Sharon Regional for 23 years.
“This community is in desperate need for everyone to come together and keep this hospital open. It will be terrible for our whole community if this hospital closes,” said Rigby.
There were moments when the crowd chanted in unison, “Save our hospital.” Some carried signs — one saying “Corporate Greed Kills.”
“I don’t think the community understands the seriousness of it but I think they’re beginning to get the idea,” said Dr. Valeri Roth.
Dr. Roth is the Chief of Surgery. She was among the hospital administrators who joined the rally. Teresa Trontel was another.
“It will be devastating, not only to the patients but to the city all of itself and all of the people that use the services,” said Trontel.
Vsna Repaja from Croatia has cleaned at the hospital for 21 years. She too wants to see it stay open.
“Good people, my manager’s good. That’s so sad being closed,” she said.
At one point Pennsylvania State Senator Michele Brooks joined the rally. Brooks said the Buhl Regional Health Foundation should have done more to keep Sharon Regional Open.
“The Buhl Health Foundation received $41.6 million from the sale and assets of this hospital,” said Brooks.
One sign asked the Buhl Foundation to give our money back. Brooks said the Foundation offered an $11 million loan months ago and never budged from that offer.
“I think what could be more profound than saving this hospital, keeping its healthcare and keeping almost 750 people employed,” Brooks said.
#Employees #politicians #residents #rally #save #Sharon #Regional #hospital
Leave a Reply