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First Hospital nurses to hold press conference on Thursday

Times Leader - 8/4/2022

Aug. 4—KINGSTON — The battle over First Hospital's future will continue Thursday, with registered nurses from the facility planning an 11 a.m. press conference across the street from the Kingston psychiatric and mental health center.

The nurses are expected to be joined by family members of patients, and by State Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R- Kingston, to discuss the announced closing of the hospital, "and the loss of crucial mental health services desperately needed in their community," according to a media release.

Commonwealth Health, the for-profit company that runs the hospital, announced it will close by the end of October. In a media release, the company cited increased difficulty in keeping the facility adequately staffed. The release also said Commonwealth remains open to transitioning the facility and its services to a new owner/operator if one is identified.

In announcing Thursday's press conference, the nurses' union seemed to embrace that possibility.

"First Hospital staff and community members are hoping to find a solution that will keep their hospital open — perhaps by enlisting other local health systems to step up and provide support."

The hospital is at 562 Wyoming Ave., Kingston.

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