The Massachusetts Medical Society continues to closely monitor the developments regarding for-profit Steward Health Care and the impact its precarious financial status may have on patients, physicians, health care teams, and all other staff at its Massachusetts facilities. We are relieved for the moment that the company has secured stopgap funding to avoid the imminent potential closure of its hospitals. While this temporarily averts catastrophic consequences for our already stretched health care infrastructure, we must continue to seek a sustainable plan for Steward hospitals.
Our patients, especially those who live in historically underserved communities and depend on Steward for their health needs, must have access to and continuity of care to prevent further exacerbation of health inequities. We are grateful for the Healey-Driscoll administration’s close and careful monitoring of the situation, including Secretary Walsh’s commitment to contingency planning and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s (DPH) vigilance to ensure safety and the highest quality of care.
We encourage our physician members and other health care workers to report any quality or safety concerns or issues to DPH. We also encourage the Health Policy Commission to thoroughly examine and monitor any future transactions involving Steward in Massachusetts. Patient safety must always be our top priority.
-Barbara S. Spivak, MD, President, Massachusetts Medical Society
