In light of Steward Health Care's recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll have announced measures to ensure continued patient care and support for workers at Steward's facilities, which, as of now, continue to operate as per usual.
The administration has kicked into gear, setting up a dedicated call center and website to guide and inform patients amid the healthcare group's financial turmoil - a move aimed to mitigate concerns and maintain service continuity, and this follows the Department of Public Health's activation of its emergency operations protocol, with officials managing the incident through a structured command system.
"It is essential that the people of Massachusetts know that Steward hospitals and outpatient facilities are open and operating as usual. No one should hesitate to seek care," emphasized Governor Healey in a statement, her words reflecting a commitment to transparency and operational stability throughout the ongoing legal process which, she denoted, stems from "greed, mismanagement, and a lack of transparency" within the Steward network.
Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has echoed public frustration, declaring an intent to pursue accountability through heightened scrutiny during the bankruptcy proceedings, "The public is rightly frustrated right now, and I share their concerns," Campbell expressed, outlining that the initiative is expected to enhance legal oversight over the beleaguered health care provider’s operations.
Robert Goldstein, MD, PhD, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, assured residents, saying, "Individuals and communities across Massachusetts must have access to quality health care," insisting that the DPH is rigorously collaborating with health care leaders to shield the state's network of care from any potential fallout from Steward's financial woes.
Residents seeking up-to-date information regarding Steward Health Care’s bankruptcy proceedings can visit the administration’s resource webpage at mass.gov/StewardResources or reach out to the patient hotline numbers provided by the state officials.
