Protest at Carney Hospital

Employees at Carney Hospital in Dorchester are protesting against the impending closure of their facility, which Steward Health Care announced would shut down by August 31 due to bankruptcy. The closure affects over 1,200 workers and violates state law requiring a 120-day notice before shutting a hospital. Protesters are calling for state intervention, emphasizing the hospital's importance to the community, particularly for its services to Medicaid patients. Governor Maura Healey criticized Steward's business practices but has faced pressure to ensure compliance with state laws amid the crisis. Steward is in the process of selling its Massachusetts hospitals, but has been unable to find buyers for Carney and Nashoba Valley Medical Center, leading to their planned closures. The Massachusetts Nurses Association has urged state leaders to take stronger actions to protect community health services during this turmoil.