Steward Health Care recently announced its plans to close Carney Hospital in Dorchester and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer next month. The Texas-based company, which declared bankruptcy earlier this year, stated that it was unable to find any qualified bids to buy the hospitals. Steward has been actively working to sell or transition all its Massachusetts hospitals and is currently in active final negotiations to sell six hospitals in the state. However, with no buyers in place for Carney Hospital or Nashoba Valley Medical Center, both facilities are scheduled to close on or around August 31st.
The impending hospital closures have raised concerns among state officials, including Governor Maura Healey, who stated, “This is not over.” She criticized Steward CEO Ralph de la Torre and the company’s greed and mismanagement for resulting in the closures. Governor Healey emphasized that the closures are about more than just the loss of beds, doctors, and nurses. She assured that state officials have diligently prepared for this moment and will take all available steps to ensure a smooth transition for impacted patients and employees.
Steward currently operates nine hospitals in Massachusetts, including Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center. The company had previously announced its intention to sell its operational Massachusetts hospitals as part of its bankruptcy process. Norwood Hospital, which has been closed since severe flooding in 2020, will not be sold.
Despite Governor Healey’s earlier statement that there were qualified bids for all the hospitals, Steward’s announcement contradicted that claim. In response, Governor Healey called on Steward to finalize deals to sell its other local facilities and prioritize the communities they serve over their own selfish greed. She urged the company to consider the best interests of patients and workers.
Steward’s financial decisions leading up to its bankruptcy declaration have come under scrutiny, leading to an investigation by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. The committee voted to authorize an investigation into Steward’s bankruptcy and subpoenaed CEO Ralph de la Torre. The company’s bankruptcy and the upcoming hospital closures have caused distress among public officials and community members.
State Senator Jamie Eldridge expressed his heartbreak over the closures, particularly regarding Nashoba Valley Medical Center, which he described as a treasured community hospital. He called on Governor Healey to continue working to prevent any hospital from closing and urged her to create a transition plan. Eldridge also highlighted the state law that requires hospitals to notify the Department of Public Health at least 120 days before a proposed closure date.
The Healey administration emphasized that Steward would need approval from a bankruptcy judge to close Carney and Nashoba Valley hospitals. They also highlighted Steward’s obligation to notify the Department of Public Health of its closure plans. The administration assured patients at Carney and Nashoba Valley that they should contact their providers to discuss referrals and transfer their medical records to new providers. Steward committed to working closely with patients to help them find alternative care and assisting employees during this challenging transition.
The closure of Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center has deeply saddened the community. Carney Hospital, with a history dating back to 1863, currently has 109 licensed beds and recorded 2,653 visits to its emergency department in June. Nashoba Valley Medical Center, founded in 1964, has 57 licensed beds and recorded 1,384 visits to its emergency department in June. The closure of these hospitals will not only result in the loss of healthcare services but also impact the local economy and employment opportunities.
State officials have taken proactive measures to support patients and employees affected by the closures. They have created an online interactive dashboard that allows patients to identify nearby hospitals, see available services, and stay updated on patient volumes. This tool aims to help patients navigate the transition and ensure they can access the care they need.
In conclusion, the closure of Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center by Steward Health Care has sparked concerns among state officials, including Governor Maura Healey. The company’s inability to find qualified bids to buy the hospitals has raised questions about its financial decisions and management. State officials are working to facilitate a smooth transition for impacted patients and employees, emphasizing the importance of protecting healthcare and jobs. The closure of these hospitals will have a significant impact on the community, and efforts are underway to mitigate the consequences and provide alternative care options.
