Friday was the deadline for Steward Health to hand over its financial documents to the state, but it seems they might not be taking any further steps.
Governor Healey recently sent a letter to Steward, demanding financial information and calling for measures to ensure patient safety, like maintaining appropriate staffing levels and improving monitoring.
In response, Steward stated they’re willing to collaborate with the state and have already provided tens of thousands of financial documents. However, they lack the audited financial records the governor requested. The state is currently reviewing the information submitted by Steward this week.
Steward Health Care is facing significant financial challenges, with construction halted at Norwood Hospital due to financial issues. Congressman Stephen Lynch expressed concerns that Steward might be abandoning plans to reopen the hospital. Nurses have also raised concerns about staffing shortages, while first responders warn of increased risks for patients due to the hospital closure.
Dennis Mawn of Norwood Firefighters Local 1631 highlighted the impact of the hospital closure, stating that transport times have doubled or even tripled since then.
Governor Healey’s spokesperson, Karissa Hand, expressed dissatisfaction with the financial information provided by Steward, deeming it incomplete and insufficient. Hand emphasized the need for Steward to facilitate an orderly transition out of Massachusetts.
Steward mentioned having approached the administration last fall about transferring ownership of its hospitals to new owners.
Steward’s hospital network includes several prominent institutions across Massachusetts, such as St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, and Norwood Hospital, among others.
