Philipsburg Hospital Update

PHILIPSBURG, CENTRE COUNTY – There is still a faint heartbeat at the Philipsburg Hospital. Last week, local and state leaders toured the facility and they tell WTAJ it is in bad shape.

Incarcerated doctor Larry Adams, one of the previous owners, never winterized the property so there are broken pipes and other messes to clean up inside the hospital. The majority of the facility has been empty for more than two and a half years.

Most agree there are two options for the facility. The first would be for the State to find someone who can find a way to use the buildings, or the Commonwealth could tear the hospital down.

State Senator John Wozniak spoke with WTAJ on the phone Monday. He said both options will cost millions. The hospital and grounds are owned by the state, but the medical equipment inside are tied up in bankruptcy court.

State Representative Scott Conklin wants the state to put money toward getting the hospital back up and running in whatever shape is possible.

“I just recently put in the capital budget $5 million for renovations and expanding a facility at that spot. So hopefully we'll be able to come up with a solution and if we can get the money out of the capital budget project,” Scott Conklin, a Democrat representing the 77th District, said.

Wozniak said while it is a positive step that money has been requested, it is very likely the hospital will never see it. That is, unless a private entity comes forward and purchases the building from the state. The State could also sell parcels of the hospital grounds for new construction.