Steward Hospital protest

Massachusetts faces the impending closure of Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center, as Steward Health Care announces plans to shut both facilities by August 31st due to a lack of buyers. Community members, healthcare workers, and lawmakers have rallied for Governor Maura Healey to declare a public health emergency and enforce a 120-day notice rule for closures. While Healey stated she could not prevent the closures, state lawmakers like Senator Nick Collins are advocating for extraordinary measures, including potential legislation granting the Department of Public Health receivership powers to maintain operations. Critics have expressed frustration with the timing of political responses, questioning why more proactive measures weren't taken earlier. The closures threaten to disrupt emergency care access for local residents, as the nearest alternatives would be significantly farther away. Overall, discussions continue about possible funding and support to keep the hospitals operational during negotiations for potential buyers.