Closure of Nathan Speare Regional Burn Treatment Center at Crozer-Chester Medical Center

The American Burn Association (ABA) acknowledges the permanent closure of the Nathan Speare Regional Burn Treatment Center, effective May 2, 2025, as part of the broader shutdown of Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pennsylvania. [Read news coverage here.  View Crozer’s Letter to Patients here. ]

The ABA recognizes the deep impact of this loss on patients, families, and the dedicated clinical teams who have provided exceptional burn care to the community for decades. This closure represents more than the loss of a facility. The region is losing a vital resource for timely, specialized burn care.

The ABA extends its sincere gratitude to Crozer’s caregivers, staff, and leadership, especially Dr. Linwood R. Haith Jr., who served as the Medical Director of the Nathan Speare Regional Burn Treatment Center since 1986. A former president of the ABA, a professor of surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine, and the 2025 recipient of the ABA President’s Leadership Award, Dr. Haith has trained hundreds of residents and contributed extensively to advancing burn care, trauma, and surgical education.

Under Dr. Haith’s leadership, the center became nationally recognized for its clinical excellence and holistic approach, including surgical and critical care expertise and integrated support for patients’ psychological recovery. His influence extended beyond the hospital as a board leader, mentor, and policy advisor. Even in the final chapters of the institution’s operation, Dr. Haith exemplified commitment to ethics and service, most recently leading the development of ABA’s new Conflict of Interest Guidelines.

For patients and referring providers in Eastern Pennsylvania and the Delaware region, the nearest verified burn centers include:

• Temple University Hospital (Philadelphia, PA) – ABA-verified burn center and Level I Trauma Center with a 10-bed burn unit.

• Lehigh Valley Health Network – Regional Burn Center (Allentown, PA) – ABA-verified and nationally respected for comprehensive burn care.

While the future of burn care coordination in the region is still evolving, ABA remains committed to supporting patients and providers through this transition. Use the ABA’s Find a Burn Center Directory to locate facilities and identify ABA-verified centers. Learn more about ABA-verified burn centers.

For further assistance or to discuss care access in affected areas, contact the American Burn Association at info@ameriburn.org .