By Bill Carey
EMS1
UPLAND, Pa. — A Pennsylvania hospital’s ambulances have been in desperate need of repair, but the hospital’s parent company has not paid the vendors.
Crozer Health’s ambulances cover approximately 70% of Delaware County. The union representing assistant chiefs, paramedics and EMTs said patient care could be negatively impacted by the ambulance repair payment problem, WHYY reported.
“The current bill that we have with one of the only vendors that are willing to work on our fleet, who happens to be a member of the community, is owed in the excess of close to $120,000. So, at this time, he has put us on hold and will not work on any of the vehicles,” Paramedic Kate Denney said.
Five ambulances and two chase cars are waiting to be repaired, DelcoToday reported. A Crozer spokesperson said repairs are happening and that most ambulances would be back in service over the next two weeks.
“We have used several mechanics throughout the county and because of our history with the prompt payments, nobody’s willing to work with us,” Denney told WHYY.
Prospect Medical Holdings, Crozier’s parent company, completed refinancing to improve the company’s financial outlook.