Local, regional, and state union leaders joined employees at Saint Anne’s Hospital yesterday at a rally in support of saving the community hospital as its owner, Steward Health Care, faces financial struggles.
Earlier this year Steward alerted state and local officials of its liabilities in Massachusetts as it faces $50 million in debt for rent owed at its nine facilities in eastern Massachusetts, including Saint Anne’s. The for-profit company has until the end of the month to meet the terms of an agreement with lenders to maintain operations and repay debts. It does not rule out the possibility of filing for bankruptcy.
At the rally held at Kennedy Park adjacent to the hospital, speakers reinforced the importance of a community hospital like Saint Anne’s providing vital services within a fractured healthcare system. They are calling for Steward to save the hospitals or sell to an organization that will.
Mayor Paul Coogan said he is in touch with state and federal officials to ensure Saint Anne’s remains open.
Sabrina Davis has received care from Saint Anne’s and other community hospitals as she struggles with asthma. As a member of the Coalition for Social Justice, she understands how vital community hospitals are to urban regions like Fall River.
Jason Burns, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1314 that serves city firefighters, said along with decreasing capacity at local hospitals, closing Saint Anne’s will put added stress on local public safety officers.
Saint Anne’s employees were on hand at the rally, expressing how the hospital’s close-knit community is an asset that should not be abandoned.
You can view the full rally here.
