Steward to Close Two Hospitals Amid Bankruptcy

Steward Health Care, a bankrupt for-profit health system, will close Carney Hospital in Dorchester and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer after failing to secure qualified bids for these facilities. Despite extensive efforts to sell all its Massachusetts hospitals, only six out of eight received bids. Governor Maura Healey and unions have criticized the closures, attributing them to 'greed and mismanagement' by Steward's leadership, particularly CEO Ralph de la Torre. The closures, set for August 31, will significantly impact local communities by creating 'hospital deserts' and exacerbating healthcare inequities. The company has pledged to assist patients and employees during this transition. Steward's other hospitals, including St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and Holy Family, are in final negotiations for sale.