Legislators Advocate for State Takeover of Norwood Hospital and Potential Reopening as a Not-For-Profit Hospital

Representative John Rogers of Norwood and Senator Mike Rush along with other legislators are advocating for Massachusetts to use eminent domain to take over the site and facilities of Norwood Hospital which is owned by the bankrupt Steward Health Care, in order to move ahead with plans to put the institution back to use as a not-for-profit hospital. A hearing on their bill was held before the State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Committee on February 12th.

Representative Stephen Lynch issued a statement on Facebook following his testimony at the hearing in support of the bill and on behalf of his constituents which include residents of Norwood, Westwood, and the surrounding community. 

He said, “We’ve got real challenges with healthcare in Massachusetts. The for-profit model did not work. And so we’re here to fight the fight today to return not-for-profit healthcare to Massachusetts on the site of Norwood Hospital.”

Norwood Hospital has been undergoing reconstruction since it closed from flooding five years ago. While 65 percent of the construction is completed, it is only 25 percent operational, according to statements made by Representative Rogers and Representative Lynch. The Norwood community and surrounding areas which were served by Norwood Hospital before its closing have long been waiting for a reopening of their community hospital, even starting an organization called, Finish Norwood Hospital, and using the hashtag, #finishthejob.

Mr. Lynch noted, “We do have some parties that are interested in coming in and restarting that hospital, rebuilding and taking over, restarting operations as a not-for-profit hospital, which I think will be in the best interest not only of the people who get the healthcare there, but also of the Massachusetts taxpayer, who in many cases is providing the funding through Medicaid and the federal taxpayers in Massachusetts who are obviously paying for the Medicare, and part of Medicaid as well.”

In related testimony at a prior hearing to establish a working group to help provide infrastructure for a smooth transition to a future operator of Norwood Hospital, Senator Mike Rush observed that the closure of the regional hospital has been “catastrophic” to the healthcare of nearby communities. He said that ambulatory services are stretched beyond their limits. He said that patients experiencing medical emergencies in Walpole, Sharon, and Foxborough must travel to Brockton, Boston, or Needham for the closest locations for necessary medical services.

In a letter to Norwood residents urging them to attend the February 12th hearing, Norwood Town Manager Tony Macuzzo wrote, “Active negotiations are currently underway with a major healthcare provider concerning the future of the Norwood Hospital site. Even where legislation may face uncertain prospects, engagement and visibility matter - and can be influential in parallel discussions and negotiations.”

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