Commonwealth Health is a Cornerstone of Northeastern PA

4/19/2023

The skilled and compassionate hands of physicians, nurses and other team members of Commonwealth Health support the health and well-being of patients who turn to us for expert care. We are here, whenever needed. Beyond providing clinical care, Commonwealth Health is a cornerstone of our community and a major contributor to the economic health of Northeastern PA as a major employer and tax-payer and through our resources to expand and enhance the medical services available close to home. The overall impact is significant and totaled more than $482 million in 2022.

Care was provided at more than 1 million patient encounters, including more than 81,500 emergency department visits, more than 19,600 inpatient admissions and more than 23,700 surgeries. Over 965,000 patients received care locally from our physician practices, walk-in locations and outpatient centers. Joy was delivered to local families with the birth of more than 2,000 babies at Moses Taylor Hospital and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

“We help people get well and live healthier by providing quality care for patients,” said Michael Curran, chief executive officer for Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. “Our community is truly fortunate to have this dedicated team of clinicians who are making a real difference each and every day.”

Commonwealth Health's network provides a broad range of medical services, from highly specialized heart, lung and joint replacement surgery to more routine surgical needs and preventive care. Since 2022, more than 4,000 hearts beat stronger following cardiac catheterization at Commonwealth Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute located in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Eleven interventional cardiologists now offer this life-saving procedure and other treatments for heart health.

Bringing moms and babies safely through childbirth is our priority. Our AI-based maternal-fetal early warning system monitors vital data throughout labor and delivery to help our maternity team recognize, prevent and respond to potential complications for an even safer birth.

Simon Ratliff, chief executive officer for Wilkes-Barre General Hospital stated, “The vital care we provide is only one part of the broad impact we have. We are a cornerstone of this community and we are committed to doing all we can to provide excellent healthcare services and to making Northeastern PA a healthier, better community for all.”

Commonwealth Health also gives back to Northeastern PA by providing over $49 million in charity and uncompensated care for the community’s most vulnerable. And the payment of $23 million in property and sales taxes helps support civic resources and services.

The hospitals’ payroll of more than $361 million ripples across the local economy as employees buy goods and services. Last year the hospitals added enhanced benefits to help team members achieve their personal and professional goals, including assistance with student loan repayments, reimbursement of licensure and certification expenses, as well as tuition reimbursement.

To train additional caring and skilled nurses, Jersey College and Commonwealth Health have collaborated to establish a School of Nursing on Moses Taylor Hospital’s campus, serving the greater region. We welcomed our first class of students in January 2023.

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