SCRANTON, PA. – Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti and the five members of Scranton City Council thanked Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in a letter this week for his ongoing support towards maintaining strong hospital systems in Scranton.
“The future of timely and specialized healthcare in Scranton is tied to what happens with Regional Hospital and Moses Taylor Hospital,” Mayor Cognetti said. “Governor Shapiro understands the importance of accessible healthcare in Scranton and across the state, and we appreciate his support. The nurses, doctors, and staff need clarity on this situation, as do our public safety personnel and the residents of Scranton and NEPA that rely on this care.”
Per the letter dated March 12, Cognetti and City Council thank the governor and his team for their “commitment to preserving access to quality healthcare in our region.” Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital have a combined 308 beds. Each hospital offers unique types of care: Regional specializes in cardiac care, stroke care, and neurology, while Moses Taylor is noted for its obstetrics and neonatal care. About 1,800 births occur there annually.
The letter comes as the fate of these two for-profit hospitals remains unclear. An agreement for Commonwealth Health to sell those hospitals, along with Wilkes-Barre General, to nonprofit WoodBridge Healthcare dissolved in November 2024.
“Beyond healthcare, these hospitals serve as employment for many families here, employing 1,300 dedicated individuals who rely on these jobs. These figures alone highlight the indispensable role these facilities play in our region’s healthcare infrastructure,” the letter reads.
Cognetti’s and Council’s letter concludes by seeking an update from the Governor’s office to manage expectations on the future of this healthcare, including preparing contingency plans.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020. Her administration is focused on driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, ensuring public safety, fostering government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
Last modified: March 13, 2025
