Geisinger's plans for a $180 million orthopedic center were called off, The Daily Item reported March 28.
The Danville, Pa.-based health system first announced the project in November 2021 and was deemed as its "largest facilities investment for [the year]." However, an analysis of COVID-19's impact on operations led to the decision to scrap the plan, the report said.
"Our analysis of this drastic shift in inpatient orthopaedic trends led us the decision to defer our pursuit of a standalone orthopaedics hospital in Buckhorn and revisit our plan in Central Pennsylvania — and Buckhorn specifically — to develop a strategy that better meets the evolving health care needs in our communities," Geisinger officials said in the report. "While this was a difficult decision, it was the responsible decision to make at this time."
The orthopedic center would have had specialized operating rooms, an inpatient unit and an onsite outpatient clinic. It was expected to open in 2024.