The clock is ticking for Steward Healthcare as Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issues an ultimatum to the financially troubled company. He is asking the CEO to submit financial records by Friday or exit the hospital business in the state.
Steward Health Care owns nine hospitals in Massachusetts. Rep. Stephen Lynch toured two of the facilities Wednesday and echoed the governor's call for fiscal transparency.
“We're trying to get information from Steward Healthcare and figure out what to do here,” Lynch said.
He toured Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton, where he said it is dealing with a staffing shortage. He also toured Norwood Hospital, where construction has been halted due to unpaid contractor payments.
“They're basically being told to get out of their seats. They've hit the pause button on this project,” Lynch said.
First responders said financial issues are taking a toll on the patients they already serve.
“We need supplies. They've stopped paying vendors. They're choosing who they pay for, what equipment they pay for,” said Kathy, a nurse who works at Steward Healthcare Hospital. Reardon said.
Norwood firefighters say the fact that construction on the new hospital is not complete is having a daily impact.
“Ever since this hospital closed, transport times have doubled and tripled,” said firefighter Dennis Maun.
The state is sending monitors to all Steward Healthcare facilities to ensure they are staffed and employees have the necessary supplies.
Steward Healthcare's chief physician, Dr. Joseph Weinstein, said he believed the treatment was appropriate.
“At this time, we believe that the care we are providing at all of our facilities is excellent and satisfactory,” Dr. Weinstein said.
Asked why the company hasn't responded to state requests for its financial records, Weinstein said, “I can't answer that.”
“I'm not a financial expert, but I can confirm that requests from members of Congress and letters from delegations will be forwarded to Dallas for consideration and hopefully a response,” he said.
As of Wednesday night, Steward had not responded to the governor's ultimatum. Company officials have set a deadline of the close of business on Friday.
