Social media apparently played a major role in derailing plans by Abington Health and Holy Redeemer Health System for a new regional health system.

As soon as the two Abington-based institutions made their plans known last month opponents were sending e-mails, firing off Twitter tweets and Facebook messages and running an online “Stop The Merger” petition that got 5,000 signatures in 5 days.

Activists opposed the merger for several reasons, including an agreement between the nonsectarian Abington and Catholic Holy Redeemer that would have required Abington OB/GYN’s to stop doing abortions.  They also had support from doctors at Abington and other area hospitals who believe medical decisions should be made by doctors.