Penn Medicine has opted out of purchasing Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville from Tower Health, writes John George for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Tower Health closed the hospital in January 2022 as part of a financial turnaround process, which is still ongoing. Penn Medicine had intentions of utilizing the medical center while working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to aid veterans in the Philadelphia region. The plan did not include reopening the medical center as an inpatient community hospital.

“After an intensive due diligence process, we have determined that we would be unable to build out the infrastructure for the project in the space available on the Brandywine campus and will terminate our letter of intent with Tower to purchase the property,” Penn Medicine said in a statement.

Despite this loss, Penn Medicine still plans to go through another property to ensure it remains “deeply committed” to helping area veterans.

A statement from the Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe said:

“We are disappointed that the Brandywine Hospital property did not meet Penn Medicine’s requirements, but we are excited that Penn Medicine remains committed to bringing emergency and acute care back to the Coatesville area, as well as expanding care for veterans through the agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We will continue to support Penn Medicine’s plans as they seek an alternative location to provide the best healthcare facility for Chester County residents and veterans.   

We also remain committed in our support for the Greater Coatesville Health Equity Group, both as members of the Group and in providing more than $2 million in funding for the Alliance for Health Equity’s Equity Health Center. In every way that we can, we are working with many partners to ensure everyone in the greater Coatesville area has equitable healthcare options and access.”

Read more about the Brandywine Hospital deal timeline in the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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