Steward Health Care to Close Two Massachusetts Hospitals Amid Bankruptcy

BOSTON (AP) — Steward Health Care announced the impending closure of Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Massachusetts, following a lack of qualified bids during its bankruptcy proceedings. The closures are set to take place on or around August 31, as the company continues negotiations to sell six other facilities in the state. Steward, which operates approximately 30 hospitals across eight states, stated it is coordinating with state and federal agencies to ensure a smooth transition for affected patients and employees. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey criticized the closures, attributing them to the "greed and mismanagement" of Steward Health Care and its CEO, Ralph de la Torre. She assured residents that the state is prepared to assist in the transition process for those impacted. In June, occupancy rates at Carney and Nashoba were notably low, with only 13 of 83 and 11 of 46 beds filled, respectively. In response to the bankruptcy, a Senate committee has initiated an investigation into Steward Health Care, with plans to subpoena de la Torre. Committee Chair Sen. Bernie Sanders highlighted the risks associated with private equity's involvement in healthcare, suggesting that such practices lead to the deterioration of essential community hospitals. Fellow committee member Sen. Ed Markey emphasized the need for Steward to prioritize the operation of its remaining facilities, criticizing the company's approach to managing safety net hospitals.