Philadelphia Naval Regional Medical Center Is Badly Deteriorated and Unsafe

The Philadelphia Naval Regional Medical Center consists of a 42-year old, 13-story main hospital building, various outlying temporary single-story World War II structures, and 10 clinics at nearby shore activities. Because of age and inadequate maintenance, the main hospital and other structures at the Center have deteriorated.

As early as 1973 unsafe conditions were reported at the Center. Among the conditions reported in many of the buildings were: (1) violations of the National Fire Protection Association's fire safety code; (2) lack of emergency power and lighting in the medical, surgical, and recovery wards; (3) leaking roofs, and deficiencies in wiring systems; (4) lack of proper ventilation and fire deterrent systems; and (5) general obsolescence and deterioration of the buildings. Correction of major deterioration and safety problems would cost about $14 million. To remedy the fire and other safety deficiencies alone would cost about $3 million. In view of the poor condition of the Center and its low use, continued operation in its present condition is unsafe and expensive. Until the Navy's need for medical facilities in the Philadelphia area is determined, it cannot plan the most economical and efficient means of providing required services.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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