Waltham hospital's fate remains in limbo
By Patrick Golden
Friday, March 8, 2002

WALTHAM, Mass.—An agreement to keep Deaconess-Waltham Hospital open past April 11 failed to materialize yesterday as CareGroup, developer Roy MacDowell and the Coalition to Save Waltham Hospital tried to hammer out a deal.

A battle for control of the facility's prized cancer center was the sticking point, coalition members said. Coalition members had hoped the deal would be signed yesterday.

CareGroup confirmed that the future of the cancer center remains an issue, but a spokesperson declined to discuss specifics. CareGroup said in a written statement it remains optimistic about negotiations, but its board of trustees had not intended to vote on an agreement yesterday.

Coalition Chairman Fred Brasco said the parties are trying to negotiate who will retain the cancer center's operating license. Opened last spring, the facility is considered one of the hospital's most valuable assets.
MacDowell was in discussions with CareGroup yesterday and could not be reached for comment.

In an attempt to boost morale, Deaconess-Waltham staffers held a festive buffet dinner at the Chateau restaurant last night. Balloons hovered over tabletops as doctors and coalition members attempted to assure the staff the hospital has strong chance for long-term success.

"I hope that we have good news tomorrow morning," Brasco told the assembly.

He said there was a chance the rough spots in the negotiations would be smoothed out last night. A CareGroup spokesperson said last night it's conceivable a deal could be reached today, but talks could run into next week.
At the Chateau, Deaconess-Waltham staff cheered for coalition members and doctors who addressed them. "(If an agreement is reached) the easy part is over and the work starts soon," said Richard Lyons, the hospital's emergency room chief.

An agreement with CareGroup would allow the coalition to start a turnaround plan for the hospital. The coalition hopes a new local community group can take control of the hospital by June 1.

Deaconess-Waltham is losing personnel. Uncertain of the hospital's future, many of its medical personnel have left for jobs elsewhere.

"Many people have to make a decision, had to make a decision or are on the verge of making a decision," Lyons said.

Dianne Koch, the hospital's surgical supplies manager, said in a telephone interview she sees the employee exodus continuing unless an agreement with CareGroup is reached soon.

"There have been a lot of resignations and it's scary," said Koch.

Key departments, such as the laboratory and operating department are operating with reduced staff.

Koch helped to draft a newsletter that was distributed to employees yesterday. She said it's a way of getting information out and answering the staff's questions.

The coalition is banking on a partnership with Tufts New England Medical Center to contribute much needed patient admissions and revenue to Deaconess-Waltham.

MacDowell plans to spend $8.5 million of his own money to coax the hospital away from CareGroup, but eventually wants the city to rezone the hospital land so he can build apartments on a nearby parking lot.

Dr. Alan Keene, president of the hospital's medical staff, said he remains optimistic and that the strong turnout at the Chateau is a good sign.

"It shows that people are sticking together," he said.