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Save Waltham Hospital
The Waltham High school auditorium was full to
overflowing last night, while police in the streets were turning
away hundreds more who were attempting to attend a public hearing
held by the Department of Public Health for Deaconess Waltham Hospital.
More than 90 people spoke at the hearing, making the case for Waltham
Hospital to remain open as a vital health care safety net for Waltham
and surrounding communities. Below you will find articles from the
media concerning this event. The Coalition to Save Waltham Hospital
has been working since Jan. 11th to convince the state and Care
Group to work with concerned citizens, employees, physicians and
nurses to keep the facility open.
Unimpeachable evidence was presented last night
detailing the devastation this closing would cause in the form of
increased ER diversions at surrounding hospitals, the loss of vital
psychiatric services, and the loss of access to necessary medical
services for thousands of Waltham citizens. The coalition has since
incorporated as non-profit organization and is prepared to take
over the hospital as an independent community hospital. The city
of Waltham has offered $2 million in funding if the state will match
another $2 million and a local developer has pledged significant
funds to augment this amount.
The Coalition is urging the state to assist in providing
funding and in working with the coalition to convince Care Group
to negotiate in good faith over the transfer of the hospital. At
last night's hearing, pleas were made to the DPH Commissioner Howard
Koh and Department of Mental Health Commissioner MaryLou Sudders
to work within the administration to ensure Waltham Hospital is
saved. Supporters are also urging the Attorney General's office
to get involved to use his influence to work with the parties to
save the hospital.
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