This is the first post of a three part series by Tammy and the Lancaster Healthcare Rights Committee (HRC). In December 2018, Lancaster community members were told UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster — one of only two hospitals in Lancaster City — was slated to close by March 1st. UPMC had owned the hospital for just over a year before choosing to close it; however, the hospital had previously stood as St. Joseph’s Hospital, an institution in the community for over 130 years.

This three part series written by the Lancaster HRC includes: Part one – a brief history of St. Joseph’s; Part two – A personal history of St. Joseph’s; and culminates with Part three – The Weekend of Action and final Chapel Service (February 2019). Although UPMC closed the hospital doors at the end of February, the Lancaster HRC has not stopped fighting. For more information contact Lancaster HRC coordinator Tammy at tammyrojas1977@gmail.com.

History of St. Joseph’s Hospital

St. Joseph’s Hospital was built as a charity hospital in 1878 and was the first hospital in Lancaster County. It was built and operated at first by St. John of God Order of Brothers and almost immediately ran into financial difficulties. The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia took over the hospital in 1883 with an operating budget of $2.50, two apples and a mission to minister to the sick and poor. When they arrived, the building didn’t have electricity, running water, or beds. Despite being met with a strong anti-Catholic sentiment, the Sisters won over the community by their devotion to the community and the care they gave to their patients. The Sisters, who worked tirelessly without a salary for many years, scrubbing floors, cooking the food for their patients, keeping medical records, and washing all the clothes and linens of the hospital, also provided spiritual support to their patients with daily visits by the pastoral care department, most of whom were not Catholic.

Due to their less-than-shoestring budget, the Sisters made a weekly trek to Central Market to garner donations from vendors for both themselves and their patients. During one Central Market visit, one Amish man reluctantly tossed a bar of soap into their basket, perhaps sharing in the strong, prevalent anti-Catholic sentiment present at the time in Lancaster County. His wife became seriously ill that same night and was taken to St. Joseph’s hospital for treatment. The Sisters that went to Central Market that day recognized the man and personally saw to the care of his wife. Due to their care, that same Amish man supplied the hospital with soap for many years. (Picture caption (below: Sr. Anne Lawrence performs her duties as pharmacist at St. Joseph Hospital in Lancaster, PA)

Their devotion and care of their patients and for the community became known throughout Lancaster and the hospital grew. In 1884, the first operating room was established and the hospital became incorporated in 1885. At the turn of the century, a new wing was built for surgery and established The Training School For Nurses in 1902. In 1950, the community partnered with the Sisters, in recognition of their care and devotion, the original Victorian building was replaced by new buildings. Serving 121 patients in their first year, over the next 120 years St. Joseph’s evolved into a specialty hospital with a medical staff that encompassed over 30 medical specialties. (Picture caption: St Joseph School of Nursing founded in 1902, last graduating class was in 1969, 741 nurses graduated from St Joseph School of Nursing.)

Due to the dwindling number of women becoming nuns, the Sisters’ ability to continue their service at the hospital was becoming impossible, and their devotion and service to the community was costing the hospital millions of dollars. They reluctantly sold the hospital in 2000 to a for-profit Florida chain, which renamed the hospital Lancaster Regional Medical Center, who in turn sold it in 2017 to UPMC Pinnacle. The Sisters believe that the evolution of the hospital and the special place it holds in the hearts of many, of which both Lancaster Regional and UPMC Pinnacle reaped and exploited the benefits, was due to their devotion to the care, both physical and spiritual, to all who came through their doors and resided in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

“Times change. I’m not sure why this decision has been made, but I trust that the Lord will take care of all the good people in Lancaster.”- Sister Dreisbach.

In a recent LNP article It was stated this was the reaction of Sister Joan Dreisbach to news of the pending shutdown of UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster, formerly known as St. Joseph Hospital. Sister Joan Dreisbach spent roughly 25 years at the former St. Joseph Hospital between 1957 and 1984.

Dreisbach, now 89, is known to many in Lancaster from her years directing St. Joseph’s nursing school and later serving as the Catholic hospital’s president.

She learned of the planned closing of UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster when a reporter reached her by phone at Assisi House, the Philadelphia-area retirement convent where she now lives.

“I have a very tender place in my heart from all of those experiences,” Dreisbach said. “I will cherish my memories.” Click here to read the whole article.

Sources:

Feeling Blessed, The Sisters of St. Joseph Hospital Gave All
Ad Crable Dec 2, 2002 
https://lancasteronline.com/news/feeling-blessed-the-sisters-of-st-joseph-hospital-gave-all/article_cd842e4b-b56a-5542-9970-8912fe3da016.html—————–

History of St. Joseph Hospital in Lancaster: Bob Hope, the nuns and more [photos]
LANCASTERONLINE | Staff Dec 11, 2018 
https://lancasteronline.com/news/history-of-st-joseph-hospital-in-lancaster-bob-hope-the/article_0ce600e2-fd7e-11e8-a607-c3f72b1c80c4.html—————–A Rich

February 20, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact:

Tammy Rojas  
(717) 205-3230
tammyrojas1977@gmail.com
Lancaster Healthcare Rights Committee
Put People First! PA

Residents Host Community Forum and Vigil Final Weekend before UPMC Closes Doors

Put People First! PA – Lancaster Healthcare Rights Committee hosts “Weekend of Action”  

WHAT: Lancaster members of Put People First! PA, a grassroots, statewide organization of people directly impacted by the healthcare crisis, will have a weekend of action on the final weekend before the hospital closes and have invited all local government officials to attend, including those who have announced their candidacy.


FORUM:

We want to inform the public of the process UPMC has taken to purchase this hospital, what benefit they received from the purchase, what they have done to other communities and why we need a Public Healthcare Advocate for the state.There will also be time for the community to share their concerns about the closing.

WHEN: Saturday February 23rd, 2-4pm

WHERE: Community Mennonite Church 332 West Orange St.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL:

The vigil is to pay homage to the hospital, it’s workers and volunteers over many generations. The service provided by people in the community for 134 years deserves proper recognition and our gratitude for their dedication. It’s also the perfect time for people to share their stories around the hospital.

WHEN: Sunday February 24th, 5-6pm

WHERE: Across the street from the hospital located at 250 College Ave

Since the closing of UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster was announced in early December, the Lancaster Healthcare Rights Committee has brought attention to this issue by flooding the December 18th City Council meeting, staging a rally outside the Lancaster County Government center and voiced their demands at the City Council meeting February 12th. (1) “We want a Public meeting with UPMC CEO and executive present and a city resolution recognizing the need for a Public Healthcare Advocate for Pennsylvania,” Tammy Rojas stated.

Put People First! PA Lancaster members have asked all local government officials and those who have announced their candidacy for the upcoming term to join us for this weekend of action. “We need to see that our local elected officials take our concerns seriously and that they are prepared to take action,” Anne Winslow stated. “Even though this hospital, as of March 1, will be closed and not there, we’re still going to keep up the fight. Because until that place is sold or demolished, we still have an opportunity to make our voices heard,” said Tammy Rojas (2)

Pennsylvania Department of Health spokesman Nate Wardle said in an email that while there are certain reporting requirements, it does not have the ability to stop a hospital closure and he’s not aware of any agency that does. (3) Put People First! PA believes that while local government may not be able to draft legislation to change the current healthcare system, there are steps they can take that would put pressure on state legislators to take action. This crisis illustrates the need for a Public Healthcare Advocate in the State government, who can act on behalf of Pennsylvania residents who are at the mercy of for-profit healthcare providers, an issue that Put People First! PA has been raising across the state.

Put People First! PA has members in 17 counties waging their “Healthcare is a Human Right” campaign. Last September, the Lancaster Healthcare Rights Committee held a demonstration against substandard care and working conditions at ManorCare Lancaster, as part of a Statewide Week of Action in York, Lancaster, Pittsburgh, and Johnstown PA. Since then the Lancaster Healthcare Rights Committee has been at the forefront of the fight to keep UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster open.

  1. https://www.facebook.com/104992520955/posts/10157139298255956?sfns=mo
  2. https://www.facebook.com/16299922909/posts/10157027894432910?sfns=mo
  3. https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/group-will-take-concerns-about-lancaster-hospital-closing-to-city/article_853dd3f2-0225-11e9-a8d2-5be6ee3dc31c.html

Keep UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster Open: Write a Letter to the Editor by March 1st

Lancaster HRC is asking for solidarity from across the state in the struggle to keep UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster open and accountable to the people. Will you write a Letter to the Editor (LTE) to show where you stand? 

Here’s a sample letter:

I’m from the ___________ Healthcare Rights Committee with Put People First! PA and I stand in solidarity with the Lancaster Healthcare Rights Committee against the closure of UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster.

It’s devastating to hear that UPMC Pinnacle has decided to close a much needed hospital in the Lancaster community. Hands Off! UPMC”

250 words or less – that simple. LTEs can be submitted directly to LNP in Lancaster or to your local news area. Please contact Jamie at Jamiebokanblair@gmail.com on the Media & Communications team if you have any questions or are interested in taking next steps. 

Submit your Letter to the Editor before March 1st when the Hospital is slated to close. Here’s the round up of recent LTE’s — linked here with text below.

Josh, Lancaster — I am disgusted about the closing of the old Lancaster Regional Medical Center by UPMC Pinnacle. I believe it’s deadly, catastrophic and immoral.

We are potentially going to lose lives because of this closing, and all we can hear is “Our hands are tied.” This letter will not save the hospital, but it will make a good point and that point is directed at UPMC Pinnacle and our own politicians.

Whose side are you on? The people’s or UPMC Pinnacle? I know what side I am on, and I can’t wait to hear whose side you’re on.

Lillyanna Brooks, Lancaster — What do you get from shutting down UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster? Is it for bigger prodicts? Is it because you’re inhumane? There will be one hospital in Lancaster city. Many people will be losing their jobs. People might die because they will have to be transported about 30 minutes away to Lititz. Lancaster General Hospital will be overpacked.

UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster’s closing might cause Lancaster’s poverty rate to rise. Do we, the people of Lancaster, want this? If you don’t, stand up with us and fight UPMC. (Putpeoplefirstpa.org)

Tammy, Lancaster — I have seen the outcry from the community about the upcoming closing of UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster. I’m here to tell you: Don’t give up. We can unite as a community and solve this problem together. We at the Lancaster Healthcare Rights COmmittee, Put People First! PA, are currently working on the issue alongside other individuals in the community. We started by addressing Lancaster City Council during the last meeting of 2018 and are already working on the next steps.

We the people hold the power to make real and fundamental change happen in our communities as long as we unite to do so. We have the right to speak up and have our voices heard. We have a right to say what health care should look like in Lancaster. That’s why I joined {Put People First! PA and the Poor People’s Campaign: a National Call for Moral Revival, because I believe in the real power — the power of the people.

If we unite and take action together on this issue, forming bonds for future events, we will be a new and unsettling force in Lancaster. Join us at putpeoplefirstpa.org

Karim, Philadelphia — As a medical student getting ready to start residency, I’m dismayed by the closure of UPMC Pinnacle in Lancaster. Lancaster residents see Pinnacle, formerly St. Joseph’s Hospital, as a major pillar in their community, but it seems their needs and concerns weren’t a remote consideration here. It’s well known that primary care and social services are the main driver of health outcomes, but UPMC’s investments seem to be moving towards expensive specialty care for the already-sick in a wealthy city saturated with hospitals. They recently unveiled plans for a new cancer center, heart and transplant center, and a rehab center in Pittsburgh. From rotating at hospitals in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Danville, and Scranton, I’ve also seen the way big hospital systems engage in turf wars. Even medical students get involved in this. Our tuition dollars are assets to be exchanged between hospital and university systems, and we get shifted about accordingly. In Philadelphia, Jefferson is working to acquire the prestigious Fox Chase Cancer Center from Temple Health. The Temple University Board of Trustees had a transparent quote in a recent Philly Magazine article: “Currently, Temple Health again faces significant financial challenges. These challenges are primarily due to the fact that Temple Hospital is proportionally the largest provider of healthcare to Medicaid patients.” Are similar dynamics at play in the UPMC Pinnacle closure? We need transparency from UPMC, and there needs to be accountability for the downstream effects of divestment on health outcomes. It has implications for the whole state. Health care is a human right, not a commodity.

Larry, Johnstown — In regard to the proposed closing of UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster, I and many other members of Put People First! PA in Johnstown and statewide wish to express our support for the Lancaster Healthcare Rights Committee in its opposition to placing the profit-focused business decisions of UPMC over the health care needs of Lancaster residents.

Profit-focused hospitals are intensifying their efforts to dominate local and regional health care markets to enhance their bottom line (by reducing competition) at the expense of community health care needs.

At Put People First! PA, we believe people — whether in Johnstown, Lancaster or around the state and nation — are not markets, we are not profit centers or business opportunities. We are not commodities as part of some merger or acquisition, nor are we a part of someone’s investment portfolio. We are human beings, and we all need and demand the dignity of health care as a human right.

Join the Lancaster Healthcare Rights Committee and take a stand against UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster’s closing.

Barbara, Pittsburgh — I was disgusted to hear about UPMC closing UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster hospital without community input. This action by UPMC was hostile and immoral, and I’m glad members of the community are fighting it.

I immediately thought about UPMC Braddock hospital in Braddock, a poor and predominantly black Pittsburgh-area neighborhood, which UPMC closed Jan. 31, 2010, despite protests from residents.

Why should we allow UPMC to get away with building specialty hospitals in Pittsburgh and Sicily, Italy, while closing hospitals in poor communities? Everybody has a right to live and get the care we need!

I’m with the Pittsburgh Healthcare Rights Committee of Put People First! PA, and I stand in solidarity with the Lancaster Healthcare Rights Committee against the closure of UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster.

If UPMC doesn’t want to run the hospital, the city should take it and find another health care resource to take it over. It is a community asset and should not be destroyed or sacrificed to UPMC’s desire for profit.

LancasterOnline Coverage of the first PPF Action to keep UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster open – Tuesday, December 18th, 2018

Are you ready to ramp up your base-building? 
Gain skills and become more confident in reaching folks in your community

The Base Building team is coordinating a Winter Base Building Intensive Group (BBIG) of people throughout the organization who are committed to working on their base building skills (reaching and connecting with new working class people, following up with them, building relationships and getting them engaged in an ongoing way) throughout the next three months in a statewide group. The timing of the BBIG throughout the winter months is intended to develop base building leaders during the “off season” of our base building calendar, so that we have connected, committed, clear, and competent coordinators for our statewide base building activities throughout the summer. The BBIG is ideal for folks who are interested in starting new Healthcare Rights Committees, who want to gain base building skills, or who are considering joining the PPF Base Building Team.

The kick off retreat is March 9th from 10 am to 4 pm in the Harrisburg area.

Please feel free to email Iaan if you are interested in learning more!iaan.reynolds@gmail.com.