Hospital Sale Postponed Amid Protests Over ClosuresHospital Sale Postponed Amid Protests Over Closures Steward Health Care System has postponed the planned sale of a Massachusetts hospital after facing intense protests from residents and community advocates who fear the closures of essential services. The sale of Morton Hospital in Taunton, Massachusetts, was scheduled to be finalized on Wednesday, but Steward announced Tuesday that it was suspending the process due to “concerns raised by the community.” Protesters have gathered outside the hospital and held rallies demanding that Steward maintain all current services, including the intensive care unit (ICU), labor and delivery unit, and behavioral health services. They argue that closing these services would have a devastating impact on the health and well-being of the community. According to the protesters, Steward has not adequately consulted with the local community about the proposed closures. They also allege that Steward has a history of reducing services and staffing at other hospitals it has acquired. In response to the protests, Steward released a statement saying that it “understands the concerns that have been raised” and that it is “committed to working with the community to address them.” The company said it will hold a public meeting next week to “hear directly from residents about their concerns.” The decision to postpone the sale is a victory for the protesters, who have been fighting to keep essential services at Morton Hospital. However, it remains unclear whether Steward will ultimately agree to keep all services open. The protests over the proposed hospital closures highlight the growing concern about the consolidation of healthcare services in the United States. As large hospital systems acquire smaller hospitals, community advocates fear that essential services will be cut in the name of profit.
Steward postpones hospital sale as protesters rail against closuresHealth Leaders Media
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