Upcoming Events Regarding Steward Healthcare
Important Hearing on Hospital Sales
On Wednesday, September 4, at 11 a.m. ET, a significant hearing will be held in Bankruptcy Court to discuss the sale of five hospitals. This session, led by Judge Christopher Lopez, will focus on the asset purchase agreements involving Steward Healthcare, a lending organization, and the Commonwealth. Key topics will include the acquisition of several hospitals, such as Good Samaritan Medical Center, which is set to be purchased by Boston Medical Center, and Holy Family Hospitals, which will be taken over by Lawrence General Hospital.
Other facilities in the mix include Morton Hospital and Saint Anne's Hospital, both of which are expected to be sold to Lifespan in Providence. Additionally, there are plans for the state to acquire St. Elizabeth's Medical Center through eminent domain, transitioning it to Boston Medical Center. To listen to the hearing, you can Join the Hearing; you can also dial in at 832-917-1510.
Forum on the Future of Healthcare in Massachusetts
On Thursday, September 5, at 7 p.m., there will be a discussion titled "Steward and the Future of Healthcare in Massachusetts," hosted by Progressive Massachusetts. This panel will explore the implications of the Steward Health Care bankruptcy crisis. Notable participants include Paul Hattis from the Lown Institute, Katie Murphy, RN from the Massachusetts Nurses Association, as well as Alan Sager and Bill Walczak from BU School of Public Health and Codman Square Health Center, respectively. The discussion will be moderated by Enid Eckstein.
If you're interested in attending, you can register here.
Ongoing Resistance to Hospital Closures
The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) remains steadfast in its opposition to the proposed closures of Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center. The MNA criticizes the Department of Public Health's suggestion that affected communities should "imagine a new future for healthcare" without these essential services. They firmly believe that if these hospitals close, it could lead to a public health crisis.
President Katie Murphy emphasized that the only viable solution is to keep both hospitals operational as full-service facilities. The MNA views the plan to replace Nashoba Valley Medical Center with an urgent care center by UMass Memorial as inadequate. Murphy stated that an urgent care center cannot replace emergency and acute-level care nor can it provide the 20 urgently needed psychiatric beds.
Encouragement for Community Involvement
The MNA continues to engage with local public officials and potential buyers to advocate for the restoration of Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center. Murphy reiterated, “What our communities truly need is not just a suggestion to prepare for the loss of their hospitals, but active support and commitment to keep them.”
The association is adamant that the removal of these hospitals will worsen healthcare challenges, forcing patients to seek emergency services at overcrowded facilities that are farther away. This situation threatens the accessibility and quality of care for approximately 155,000 residents who depend on full-service healthcare.
Media Contacts
For journalists wanting to connect with nurses from the Steward-owned facilities represented by MNA, except for St. Anne's, please contact David Schildmeier. His contact information is available through the MNA.
Connect with the Massachusetts Nurses Association
Established in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the state. With over 25,000 members, the MNA passionately advocates for the nursing profession by setting high standards for nursing practices, promoting nurses' welfare, and actively lobbying legislative bodies on healthcare issues that are crucial for both nurses and the public.
For more information, visit MassNurses.org. You can also follow them on social media, including Facebook and Twitter.
SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association
Frequently Asked Questions
What events related to Steward Healthcare are happening next week?
Next week, there will be a Bankruptcy Court hearing regarding the sale of five hospitals, as well as a forum discussing the future of healthcare in Massachusetts.
Who will be speaking at the Progressive Massachusetts forum?
Panelists include prominent figures from various health institutions, such as Paul Hattis, Katie Murphy, Alan Sager, and Bill Walczak.
What is the Massachusetts Nurses Association's position on hospital closures?
The MNA is firmly against the closure of Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center, advocating for these facilities to remain operational as full-service hospitals.
What alternative is suggested for Nashoba Valley Medical Center?
The proposal is to replace it with an urgent care center by UMass Memorial, which the MNA considers insufficient for community needs.
How can the public get involved with the Massachusetts Nurses Association?
Members of the community can engage through the MNA's website, social media platforms, or by participating in forums and discussions to express their concerns.
