PHILIPSBURG – A Philipsburg doctor will reopen the Philipsburg Area Hospital.
That word comes after Dr. Larry Adams of Philipsburg submitted the winning bid to purchase the hospital.
Dr. Adams was asked why he decided purchasing the hospital was a good venture, and he replied that it wasn’t a good venture, but a “necessary” one. “It needs to be there for the people of the area.”
Dr. Adams played a role the last time the hospital opened — assisting Moshannon Valley Citizens Inc. in 1992. Dr. Adams said he then stepped away once things were in motion for the hospital.
His plans are to open the hospital in several stages with the emergency room being a priority. He is hopeful that can be done in 60 to 90 days.
As for the approximately 150 people who lost their jobs when the Philipsburg Area Hospital closed April 12, Dr. Adams said those people can apply for open positions. “There will still be an interview process.”
Before Moshannon Valley Citizens Inc. opened the facility, it was the Philipsburg State General Hospital. That hospital was forced to close in March 1991.
Dr. Adams did not release information about the financial details of the transaction.
The deal is still pending and must be approved by the hospital’s creditors and legal counsel.