No Objection Filed Monday Over Closing of Trumbull Hospitals

WARREN, Ohio – Monday was expected to be the day a local group filed an objection letter to Steward Health Care System’s decision to close two local hospitals, but no filing was made.

Steward, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May, announced last week that it intends to close Trumbull Regional Medical Center in Warren and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital in Howland, as well as satellite offices affiliated with both hospitals.

WFMJ-TV reported Monday evening that Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy said some members of the group trying to save the local hospitals – including Warren City Hospital, city officials and himself – met Sunday and now plan to provide information about their bid to purchase the hospitals and operation plans to the bankruptcy court Wednesday.

Earlier Monday, an Akron attorney requested to represent local entities in Steward’s bankruptcy.

Duriya Dhinojwala, an attorney with Brennan, Manna & Diamond LLC, filed paperwork requesting that the judge allow her, as an out-of-state attorney, to represent Trumbull County, the city of Warren and Western Reserve Health Education Inc. at subsequent hearings in the bankruptcy court in Houston.

Western Reserve Health Education, a nonprofit organization affiliated with both hospitals, as well as Sharon Regional Medical Center in Sharon, Pa., provides graduate-level residency and fellowship training programs.

Warren City Hospital, the group leading the effort to save the local hospitals, is still seeking funding from individuals, businesses and foundations in the region, with a goal of $30 million to operate for at least 90 days.

Trumbull County commissioners Friday unanimously approved spending up to $3 million on the effort. All eight City Council members also approved $3 million for the effort during a special meeting Friday.

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