Leaders work to find buyer for Sharon Regional Medical Center to keep its doors open

SHARON, Pa. (WKBN) – With another hearing in federal bankruptcy court coming next week for Steward Health, community leaders in Mercer County are working quickly to keep the doors of one of its hospitals open.

Sharon Regional Medical Center is one of a number of facilities Steward is looking to sell as it reorganizes out of Chapter 11.

Repeated delays in finding a suitable buyer for the property have some worried the hospital could close.

First News has learned that leaders have been meeting with others in the community, as well as with local and state government to find another healthcare provider willing to take over the hospital ahead of that next meeting in bankruptcy court.

“We’re making progress, significant progress. We hope that that progress continues through the weekend and into next week, and by the time that the hearing comes around on Thursday, that we do have a comprehensive strategy,” said Rod Wilt, chair of the Thiel College Board of Trustees.

Wilt, who is also director of the Penn Northwest Economic Development Agency, says community leaders believe the potential loss of Sharon Regional would significantly impact the overall healthcare network that now serves the Mercer County area.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.