Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has taken decisive action to secure the future of five Steward hospitals facing uncertain fates. A statement released by her office details agreements in principle, intended to shift operations of Saint Anne's Hospital, Good Samaritan Medical Center, the Holy Family Hospitals, and Morton Hospital to new healthcare entities. Notably, the Healey-Driscoll administration is also laying the groundwork to take over Saint Elizabeth's Hospital through eminent domain to guarantee its continued operation.
The governor's office confirmed that Lawrence General Hospital is set to take over Holy Family's Haverhill and Methuen campuses. Meanwhile, Lifespan is poised to assume operations of Morton and Saint Anne's, with Boston Medical Center targeted to overtake Good Samaritan and eventually, Saint Elizabeth's. Despite the successes, Carney and Nashoba Valley hospitals will close their doors due to lack of qualified bids, with the administration rallying to support the transition of employees and services. According to a press release, these efforts are fueled by a comprehensive financing regimen, including cash advances and capital support, designed to steady the hospitals during these changes.
In a press release, Governor Healey stated, "Today, we are taking steps to save and keep operating the five remaining Steward Hospitals, protecting access to care in those communities and preserving the jobs of the hard-working women and men who work at those hospitals." The sentiment reflects a clear commitment to the wellbeing of Massachusetts residents and the healthcare workforce alike.
The approach to Saint Elizabeth's has garnered specific attention with Healey calling out MPT, Macquarie, and Apollo for putting "their own interests above the health and wellbeing of the people of Massachusetts." The administration has chosen to forcefully intervene through eminent domain to swiftly bring a new proprietor to the table. In the backdrop of these transitions, Healey's administration has pledged $30 million to ensure these facilities remain operational until the end of the month, and has demanded Steward fulfill its severance agreements with employees. Additionally, the MassHire Rapid Response team is actively facilitating job fairs to connect displaced workers with over 40 healthcare employers.
All affected Steward facilities continue to function and provide patient care amidst these developments. The greater context of these actions reflects a larger narrative of health system sustainability and access, as Massachusetts grapples with the complexities of healthcare provision in a rapidly changing landscape. For those interested in the finer details and the next steps, Governor Healey and her team have slated a press conference to discuss the intricacies of these plans.
