Massachusetts has activated an emergency operations plan in response to the financial challenges facing the Steward health system, which operates nine hospitals in the state. The health system is facing significant debt, prompting the Department of Public Health to place monitors in the hospitals since January. To address these issues, the emergency operations plan includes an incident command center that aims to improve communication among state officials, healthcare providers, and investors. Governor Maura Healey’s administration emphasized the importance of ensuring quality care for patients during any potential transitions.
Healey has been advocating for Steward to exit Massachusetts, and the sale of Steward’s physician network to Optum Care is currently under review by the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission. The nine hospitals owned by Steward in Massachusetts include Morton Hospital in Taunton, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Holy Family Hospitals in Haverhill and Methuen, Carney Hospital in Dorchester, St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, and Norwood Hospital. Despite the financial challenges, all the hospitals remain open and operational.