Julia Mejia: Why is Steward not responsible?

Steward Health Care’s plan to close Carney Hospital in Dorchester is a reminder that decisions about our health and lives have been made without public input. We continue to be sidelined in the decision-making process — our voices are not heard, our needs are not met, and our choices are increasingly limited.

State law requires Steward Health Care to issue an advance warning 120 days before a hospital closure, but Carney Hospital was notified on July 26, which did not give the community enough time to prepare. Steward was required to notify the Department of Public Health at least 90 days before the closure, but its formal notification on August 5 provided only 26 days of notice before the planned closure on August 31. The 120-day timeline involves a two-step process: an intent to notify 30 days prior to the formal notification, followed by a 90-day formal notification of the planned closure. Our office is focused on the 90-day period because it is specifically listed in the regulations, sets the terms of the Commissioner’s waiver, and reinforces our commitment to compliance and protecting the community.

State law states: “The Commissioner or his designee may waive the 90-day notice period to the Department of a planned discontinuation of services only in exceptional circumstances if the Commissioner determines that such a waiver is necessary to protect the health and safety of patients using the hospital’s services.”

Under DPH’s own state regulations, the 90-day notice period to DPH of a hospital closure can only be waived if it benefits the health and safety of patients—how does accelerating Carney’s closure protect them? Common sense suggests otherwise. Early closure harms patients by cutting off access to continued, high-quality care. Closing Carney Hospital does not meet the circumstances set forth in state regulations.

The closure of Carney Hospital is an attack on the civil rights of Black, Brown and low-income residents of Dorchester and surrounding neighborhoods. Carney has long been a vital community resource, providing essential health care services in a community that has no other hospital. The loss of a trusted and beloved institution that has served as a pillar of support for generations was amply demonstrated by health care workers, staff, patients and elected officials at an Aug. 13 Department of Public Health hearing in Florian Hall, with attendees expressing their deep concerns about the devastating impact this closure will have on the community.

I call this “healthcare gentrification”: when corporations make essential services increasingly inaccessible to the communities that rely on them. There is serious concern about the future of affordable health care in Dorchester.

Boston has long-standing challenges related to racial inequality. The closure of Carney Hospital reflects this ongoing problem, perpetuating a pattern of historical neglect of the civil rights, health, and well-being of Black and Brown communities by leaders both inside and outside of government.

Enough is enough. We understand that Steward cannot repair the damage done by the greed of private equity interests that drove the company into bankruptcy. However, it is unethical and incomprehensible that Steward refuses to comply with state laws that mandate hospital closure processes. This failure to comply is a spit in the face of our community.

My office unequivocally urges Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein not to waive the 90-day period. Following Steward Health Care’s formal notification to DPH on August 5, the hospital should remain operational until at least November 3.

Stakeholders need additional time to ensure accessible and ongoing care for patients and community members who rely on Carney, as well as to support staff during this critical transition.

Julia Mejia is a Boston city councilor.