Jefferson Abington Hospital has shut down its inpatient behavioral health unit, repurposing the 23 beds to meet rising demand in the emergency department, writes Sarah Gantz for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The hospital will maintain crisis services to support patients in mental health emergencies as well as conduct psychiatric evaluations required for transfers to specialized care. Outpatient behavioral health services will continue as well.
This shift “will better serve our emergency department patients both with and without behavioral health needs,” said Jefferson Health.
The health system spokesperson did not indicate whether the hospital plans to reopen its psychiatric unit or if the closure is a permanent step in the ongoing restructuring process.
According to the most recent data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the inpatient psychiatric unit at Abington treated 350 patients in 2024.
Carla Sofronski, executive director of the PA Harm Reduction Network, expressed concern that the change could result in patients needing psychiatric or psychological care being held in the emergency department, potentially adding stress and fear.
“It’s a very busy emergency department – what does that experience look like for people who are suffering?” she said.
Read more about Jefferson Abington Hospital’s plans to meet growing emergency department demands in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on MONTCO Today in November 2025.
