WARREN, Ohio – While Insight Health Systems received certification to bill Medicare and Medicaid and reports surfaced that the medical provider is working toward reopening its Warren hospital, the Ohio Nurses Association said it’s concerned about the future of the hospital in Howland.
In a news release Tuesday, the ONA claimed Insight remains silent about plans for Insight Rehabilitation Hospital Hillside, which the ONA called a cornerstone of post-acute and rehabilitative care in the Warren area.
“Insight’s refusal to publicly address Hillside’s fate is unacceptable and a glaring omission,” the ONA statement reads.
Union leaders are concerned about the lack of communication.
“If Insight is serious about reopening Hillside, labor needs a seat at the table,” said Rick Lucase, ONA president and executive director. “Because without the workers, it’s just an empty shell.”
The union asked Insight to acknowledge the harm Hillside’s abrupt closure caused to patients, families and workers; commit to transparency and accountability about the future; and include labor unions at the table for all discussions about the possibility of reopening.
“Insight is working diligently to attain the Hillside Medicare provider number as was recently accomplished for the Trumbull acute care hospital,” an Insight spokesman said in a statement Tuesday. “We will have more information in the coming weeks as we coordinate with the regulatory authorities, union leaders and government agencies.”
Insight Rehabilitation Hospital Hillside and Insight Hospital & Medical Center Trumbull both closed March 27 after Insight Health Systems acquired them through Steward Health Care System’s bankruptcy process.
Insight leaders are scheduled to meet with state and local officials during a work session of the Trumbull County commissioners Aug. 5.
Pictured at top: Insight Rehabilitation Hospital Hillside in Howland.