Massachusetts Hospitals Set to Close Amid Bankruptcy

Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer and Carney Hospital in Boston are set to close, impacting 1,250 staff and potentially endangering patient lives due to increased travel times. Emergency physician Christina Hernon, who experienced a life-threatening situation as a child, warns that the closures could lead to guaranteed negative health outcomes for patients needing urgent care. The hospitals' owner, Steward Health Care, faces allegations of corporate greed, particularly against CEO Ralph de la Torre, who reportedly withdrew over $100 million before the company's bankruptcy. Lawsuits claim Steward prioritized shareholder payouts over operational stability during the COVID-19 pandemic, accruing debts including $45 million owed to Aya Healthcare for nursing services. Staff and community members express outrage over what they perceive as mismanagement and prioritization of profit over patient care. The situation raises serious concerns about the future of healthcare access in the region.