The financial troubles of the Steward Health System, which owns nine hospitals in Massachusetts, have led to the activation of an emergency operations plan by the state. The system is currently facing millions of dollars in debt, prompting the Department of Public Health to place monitors in the hospitals since January.
The emergency plan features an incident command center aimed at improving communication between the state, healthcare providers, and investors to ensure that patients receive quality care during any transitions that may occur in the future. Governor Maura Healey’s administration sees this step as necessary in maintaining stable healthcare markets and ensuring patients have continued access to care.
Healey has been advocating for Steward to exit Massachusetts, but while the sale of its physician network to Optum Care awaits review by the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, Steward’s nine hospitals remain open and operational. These include locations in Taunton, Brighton, Brockton, Haverhill, Methuen, Dorchester, Fall River, Ayer and Norwood.