Christina Hernon had a near-death experience as a child when her throat swelled shut from an infection, but a doctor saved her life with quick action. Now an emergency physician, Hernon is deeply concerned about the closure of two Massachusetts hospitals, Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, and Carney Hospital in Boston, where she works. The closures will affect 1,250 staff members and potentially put patients at risk, especially in emergencies where time is crucial.
The hospitals are owned by Steward Health Care, a Dallas-based company. Allegations of corporate greed have surfaced, pointing towards the company’s CEO, Ralph de la Torre, who reportedly extracted over $100 million from the company before it declared bankruptcy. Lawsuits and bankruptcy filings reveal questionable financial decisions made by the company, including prioritizing equity holders over crucial operational expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amidst the controversy, de la Torre’s luxurious lifestyle has come under scrutiny, with accusations of using company funds for personal expenses such as buying luxury yachts. While staff members like Hernon fight to keep the hospitals open, de la Torre and his family were reportedly vacationing in Paris.
The devastating impact of Steward’s failure extends beyond Massachusetts, as the company operated 31 hospitals in eight states and even ventured into international territories like Malta. Despite claims of rescuing struggling hospitals, Steward’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in Texas paints a grim financial picture with billions in debts and liabilities.
With the impending closure of the two hospitals in Massachusetts, concerns about patient care and emergency response have been raised. While efforts have been made to sell some Steward hospitals to new owners, no buyers stepped forward for Carney and Nashoba Valley hospitals, leading to their closure. The State of Massachusetts has intervened to ensure continuity of essential medical services and support for affected staff.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is now investigating Steward’s bankruptcy, with de la Torre summoned to testify. For dedicated hospital staff like Mary Ann Rockett, who has experienced a previous closure under Steward’s management, the impact goes beyond losing jobs; it’s about losing a lifeline for patients in need. Staff members like Rockett emphasize the importance of prioritizing patient care over profit in the healthcare industry.