Breaking: Steward to Close Trumbull, Hillside Hospitals

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Steward Health Care Systems LLC announced late today that it will close Trumbull Regional Medical Center in Warren and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital in Howland and “commence an orderly closure process on or around Sept. 19, in close coordination with the appropriate government agencies.”

A spokesman for the bankrupt company told The Business Journal that no decisions have been made regarding the future of Sharon Regional Medical Center in Sharon, Pa. “Negotiations are continuing,” she said.

In a statement, Steward said the company has been “actively working, along with lenders and other key stakeholders to sell or transition the two hospitals to new operators, but despite the efforts no actionable offers have been received for either hospital.

“Therefore, due to our significant cash constraints we are now in the regrettable but unavoidable situation where the process of closing the facilities must begin,” the statement continued. “We remain hopeful we can find an alternative solution that would keep the hospitals open and preserve the jobs of our dedicated team members. We want to help save these hospitals and will continue to work with qualified bidders during this process,” the company emphasized in bold type.

“Before that time, we will work closely with patients and their families to help them find the best possible care alternative and provide the community with all the information they need about the closures and where they can go for care in the future. We will also provide support to our valued employees and health care professionals to assist with this transition.  

In response, the Ohio Nurses Association AFT said Steward “blindsided staff” at Hillside with the abrupt announcement of Hillside’s closure. The ONA AFT strongly condemned the decision and called on elected officials to take immediate action to keep the hospital open.

“The closure of Hillside is a tragic result of greed-driven hospital executives, backed by private equity, who prioritize their yachts and private jets over patient care,” said Rick Lucas, a RN, president and executive director of ONA. “This decision leaves our community without crucial rehabilitation services and forces our dedicated team of nurses and health professionals into unemployment due to Steward’s unchecked greed.”

Should the closures come to pass, Mercy Health would have large voids to fill. Mercy operates St. Joseph Hospital in Warren as well as St. Elizabeth Youngstown and St. Elizabeth Boardman hospitals in Mahoning County.

Guy Coviello, president and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, said he has “complete confidence in Mercy Health delivering quality care so that we can continue attracting people and companies to grow our economy

“The priority now is helping the city of Warren and Mayor (Doug) Franklin administration with the potential loss of income tax and both the city and Howland with the re-use of the properties.”

This is a developing story.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.