Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital recently closed its 21-bed behavioral health unit in Delaware Countya decision that limits access to necessary treatment options for people suffering from behavioral and mental health issues.

Delaware County has been trying for years to open a new mental health facility to meet growing demand, but has not yet reached an agreement. Local services could now be further affected by the unrest at another leading provider of this type of care. Last week, the state asked a court to allow it to take control of financially troubled companies. Health Crozer to prevent the closure of the system’s two hospitals and recently expanded behavioral health unit.

Mercy Fitzgerald closed its behavioral health unit on October 26 “after exhausting all available options,” according to a spokesperson for Trinity Health Mid-Atlanticowner of the 188-bed Darby hospital.

“We know that many people in Delaware County rely on Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital for their behavioral health services,” Jason Griffith, a spokesperson for the health system, said in a statement. “While these services are needed in our community, operational and financial challenges prevent us from continuing to do so. »

Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic experienced financial difficulties and reported an operating loss of $95 million in the fiscal year ended June 30. This is up from a loss of $80 million for the same period a year ago. The nonprofit health system reported revenue of $1.08 billion, up 3% from the previous year.

Trinity Mid-Atlantic is part of one of the largest Catholic health systems in the country.

Mercy Fitzgerald serves approximately 186,000 patients annually, making it the busiest of Trinity’s Philadelphia-area hospitals. The system also includes Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia and Sainte-Marie Medical Center In Bucks County.

Behavioral and Mental Health Services in Delaware County

State and county officials have taken unprecedented steps in recent weeks to preserve access to essential health services in Delaware County.

The Attorney General of Pennsylvania petitioned Delaware County court at the end of October for give control to the state from Crozer Health. Crozer’s owner, Prospect Medical Holdings Inc., had threatened to close key services, including a maternity ward, a burn unit and the county’s only trauma center.

» LEARN MORE: Crozer Health could be placed under state control, an unprecedented move after years of financial crisis

Crozer is also one of the county’s largest behavioral health providers, with a crisis center, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and a hospitalization unit for more intensive care.

At the same time, the county has been searching for years for a location for a new mental health facility. In June, officials abandoned plans for a 16-bed facility in a wooded area of ​​Marple, known as Delco Woods, due to financial concerns. The proposal has been opposed by some residents who want the land to be properly preserved as a park.

The county said at the time it was exploring other options, but declined to share locations. A county spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication Thursday.

Inquirer reporter Harold Brubaker contributed to this article.