PITTSBURGH -- UPMC Braddock is due to close its doors for good in the new year, a decision that doesn't sit well with a number of community members fighting to save the hospital.

On Friday, supporters of a group called "Save Our Community Hospitals" held an informational picket and protest outside of UPMC's headquarters on Grant Street in downtown Pittsburgh.

The hospital system is planning to close the 123-bed facility because it has been losing money for UPMC.

The SOCH group handed out fliers with information about their position on the planned closing, which includes concerns about the lack of easy access to another similar health facility in the Braddock area.

Protestors said losing the Braddock hospital will eliminate 650 jobs in the area and leave healthcare in jeopardy.

"If that hospital moves, there are a lot of parents who can't go to Shadyside, they can't go to Monroeville, they can't come to Pittsburgh to make sure their kids and parents are getting proper care," said SOCH's Tony Buba.

Recent public hearings on the matter have drawn intense debate.

At a community hearing on Nov. 13, community leaders ended up in a heated argument over the planned closure. Mayor John Fetterman was denied the floor by council members, claiming he has not been proactive in the fight to keep the hospital open.

The hospital system said they plan to build a new hospital in Monroeville.

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