Steward Health System Faces Financial Struggles, Prompts Emergency Operations Plan and Public Health Monitoring

The Steward health system is facing significant debt, prompting the Department of Public Health to place monitors in the hospitals since January. In response to these challenges, Massachusetts has activated an emergency operations plan that includes an incident command center aimed at improving communication among state officials, healthcare providers, and investors. Governor Maura Healey’s administration emphasized the importance of ensuring quality care for patients during any potential transitions.

The nine hospitals owned by Steward in Massachusetts include Morton Hospital in Taunton, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Holy Family Hospitals in Haverhill and Methuen, Carney Hospital in Dorchester, St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, and Norwood Hospital. Despite the financial challenges, all the hospitals remain open and operational.

Healey has been advocating for Steward to exit Massachusetts, and the sale of Steward’s physician network to Optum Care is currently under review by the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission. The governor’s administration is working closely with healthcare providers and investors to find a solution that will ensure quality care for patients while addressing the financial challenges facing the Steward health system.