As concerned citizens and members of the community surrounding Philadelphia Hospital, we are compelled to bring to public attention the alarming and deteriorating conditions at this healthcare facility, which pose serious risks to patients, staff, and visitors.
CRITICAL SAFETY INCIDENTS
We have documented multiple serious concerns that demand immediate action:
1. RECENT SNAKE SIGHTING – JANUARY 8, 2026:
Around lunchtime on January 8, 2026, a snake was witnessed by multiple patients and staff within the block housing the Dietician, Social Worker, and Women’s Clinic at Philadelphia Hospital. The snake was seen before it disappeared into the facility, causing fear and distress among patients and healthcare workers.
This is particularly concerning as the Women’s Clinic serves pregnant women and mothers—some of the most vulnerable patients who deserve to feel safe while seeking maternal healthcare.
2. INADEQUATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE – WARD 5:
When staff in Ward 5 heard noises suggesting wildlife presence, their response was simply to close the ward door. This reactive approach does nothing to address the underlying problem and demonstrates a lack of proper emergency protocols for handling dangerous wildlife in patient care areas.
3. PATTERN OF WILDLIFE INTRUSION:
A snake was also witnessed by a community member while visiting a patient in Ward 12 in 2025. These repeated incidents across multiple areas of the hospital demonstrate that wildlife intrusion is not isolated but reflects systemic facility neglect.
Philadelphia Hospital is beginning to resemble a zoo rather than a healthcare facility—yet this is an area where people are supposed to receive medical treatment in safety and dignity.
4. SEVERE ENVIRONMENTAL NEGLECT:
The hospital premises show alarming deterioration:
– Overgrown grass and weeds throughout the grounds, providing habitat for snakes and other wildlife
– Pervasive presence of stray cats around the facility
– Scattered debris and clutter in outdoor patient areas
– Deteriorating infrastructure and walkways
– Damaged and weathered signage
– Poor maintenance of courtyards and outdoor spaces
– Building entry points that allow wildlife access to patient care areas
5. INADEQUATE SECURITY:
There are serious concerns about security provision at the facility, with reports of violence and gunfire in the surrounding area affecting patient and visitor safety.
PATTERN OF INSTITUTIONAL FAILURE
The repeated snake sightings in different areas of the hospital—from the Women’s Clinic block to Ward 5 to Ward 12—over an extended period demonstrate that hospital management has failed to address a known and serious safety risk. This is not a one-time occurrence but evidence of systemic neglect that puts lives at risk.
The fact that the most recent incident occurred in the Women’s Clinic area, where expectant mothers and new parents seek care, is particularly unconscionable. These patients deserve an environment of safety and calm, not fear and danger.
DEMANDS TO PHILADELPHIA HOSPITAL BOARD AND MANAGEMENT
We demand immediate action from the Hospital Board and Management:
1. IMMEDIATE COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY INSPECTION: Conduct an urgent safety audit of all wards, clinics, and premises, with particular attention to:
– The Dietician, Social Worker, and Women’s Clinic block
– Ward 5 and Ward 12
– All areas where wildlife has been reported
– Identification of all building entry points accessible to wildlife
2. EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE AND WILDLIFE CONTROL PROGRAM:
– Complete grounds clearing and establishment of regular professional groundskeeping
– Immediate engagement of professional pest and wildlife control services
– Comprehensive sealing of all building entry points
– Installation of barriers and deterrents to prevent wildlife access
– Repair of all deteriorating infrastructure
– Professional animal control for stray cat population
