PA hospital banned from emergency, outpatient care

Last week, the PA Department of Health banned new patient admissions at Saint Catherine Medical Center after a compliance investigation into state license and federal Medicare and Medicaid regulations revealed violations it felt posed a threat to the health and safety of patients. On Friday, the health department expanded that ban to include the emergency room and outpatient procedures, saying the hospital does not have the proper equipment and supplies to provide emergency and outpatient care. With the emergency room and outpatient services now closed, signs on the door direct patients to the nearest medical facilities in Pottsville and Shamokin, each about 15 miles away.