Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and Braddock Mayor John Fetterman held a news conference this afternoon to give their reactions to UPMC’s announced closing of Braddock Hospital by January 31st. They say UPMC officials will meet with them, Cong. Mike Doyle and State Sen. Sean Logan next week.
Both Onorato and Fetterman emphasized the many positive contributions UPMC has made to health care and economic development in the past and were careful not to criticize UPMC very harshly, but they want UPMC to re-consider.
Onorato says state and local governments have helped UPMC with approvals and development dollars, and it has non-profit status, so it is not unreasonable for public officials to ask them to explore options short of closing the facility.
Onorato emphasized what a blow the hospital closure would be, not only to health care for Braddock residents, but to development efforts in the greater Mon Valley and specifically to a senior housing project underway right next door that’s been undertaken in cooperation with the hospital.
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