Steward Health Care’s reaction to Dorchester and Ayr closures: ‘Disappointing but expected’

Sen. Ed Markey is among many Massachusetts elected officials who have criticized Steward Healthcare for closing two hospitals in the state. (Herald file photo)

Elected lawmakers and health care unions have spoken out strongly against the closure of Kearney Hospital in Dorchester and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer after shocking revelations Friday from Steward Healthcare, the for-profit Dallas-based company, and are vowing to fight for residents in the communities where they live.

Some of their comments include:

Dr. Hugh Taylor, President of the Massachusetts Medical Society

“This is an unfortunate but predictable outcome and highlights the reality of what happens when profits are put above patients, as has happened here. The Society urges Steward Healthcare to fulfill its ethical obligation to be transparent, timely and clear in communicating its transition plans to patients, staff and state agencies and its strategies for mitigating the impact of the significant disruption this will cause.”

Senator Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts)

“Their callousness toward the health and well-being of Massachusetts residents is astounding. Steward Healthcare, led by Dr. Ralph de la Torre and backed by private equity and real estate investment trusts, intentionally bought up safety-net hospitals that communities depend on and ruined them for maximum profit. But Dr. de la Torre and his private equity cronies will not get away with this.”

Steve Walsh, president and CEO, Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association

“Local residents and health care workers should know that MHA and our member hospitals have their backs. Over the past eight months, we have worked daily with the state to prepare for every possible scenario…This is a challenging time for our health care system, but our member hospitals stand ready to meet the needs of all our patients.”

Boston City Councilman John Fitzgerald (who covers most of Dorchester)

“Carney Hospital has been a cornerstone of health care in Dorchester for generations, and its closure will be a devastating blow to both the patients who rely on the hospital’s services and the employees who have dedicated their lives to serving the community. Steward Healthcare’s inability to find a qualified bidder is a direct result of their mismanagement and greed, as highlighted by Governor Healey.”

Massachusetts Nurses Association

“Nurses and medical professionals who have continued to resist throughout this crisis are calling on state and federal governments to ensure the continued operation of these hospitals, because no community can be cut off and closure is neither a viable nor acceptable option. In the meantime, we call on states to implement legislation prohibiting hospitals from closing with less than 120 days notice, allowing states time to find a means to keep these hospitals open to care for these vulnerable communities.”