Massachusetts governor says there’s nothing she can do to prevent 2 hospitals from closing

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Category: Health

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. bankruptcy / ˈbæŋk rʌpt si / (n.) – a situation in which a person or company does not have enough money to pay its debts and legally asks help from the court
    Example:

    After the business faced many financial problems, it had to declare bankruptcy and stop operating.


  2. bid / bɪd / (n.) – an offer of a price to buy something
    Example:

    After reviewing all the bids, the landowner decided to choose the one that offered the best value.


  3. steadfast / ˈstɛdˌfæst / (adj.) – being very loyal or firm without changing easily
    Example:

    She remained steadfast in her commitment to helping the community despite numerous challenges.


  4. advance / ædˈvæns / (n.) – money given or paid ahead of when it is normally due, often to help with immediate needs
    Example:

    The company gave Tim advances on his salary to help cover his expenses before payday.


  5. contingent / kənˈtɪn dʒənt / (adj.) – dependent on certain conditions or events that must happen before something else can occur
    Example:

    The job offer is contingent on passing a background check.


Article

Read the text below.

Massachusetts has agreed to provide about $30 million to help support the operations of six hospitals that Steward Health Care is trying to turn over to new owners after declaring bankruptcy earlier this year, according to court filings.


The latest update comes as Steward announced in July that it was closing two hospitals—Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center—because it received no qualified bids for either facility.


In a court filing, Steward announced it had received a commitment from Massachusetts “to provide approximately $30 million of funding support for the hospitals’ operations as they are transitioned to new operators in the near term.”


The Dallas-based company also said in the court filing that the company remains steadfast in its goal of doing everything within its power to keep its 31 hospitals open.


In May, Steward said it planned to sell off all its hospitals after announcing that it had filed for bankruptcy protection. The company’s hospitals are scattered across eight states.


The $30 million is meant to ensure that Steward’s hospitals in Massachusetts can continue to operate through the end of August, according to Gov. Maura Healey’s administration. The funding will help make sure patients can continue to access care and workers can keep their jobs until Carney and Nashoba Valley close and the remaining five hospitals are transitioned to new owners.


Carney Hospital is located in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston and Nashoba Valley Medical Center is in Ayer, a town about 45 miles (72 kilometers) west of Boston.


The payments are advances on Medicaid funds that the state owes Steward and are being provided contingent upon an orderly movement toward new ownership. The $30 million is also contingent on Steward hitting milestones and cannot be used for rental payments, debt service, or management fees.


Healey said “not a dime” of the $30 million will go to Steward but will instead help ensure a smooth transition to new ownership.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • What impact do you think hospital closures have on local communities? What about its impact on medical employees? What kind of support do you think local patients and employees need in situations like this? Discuss.
  • If a hospital were to close in your community, do you think it would be difficult for residents in your area? Why or why not? On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the quality and accessibility of healthcare in your country? Why? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Do you think the government should provide financial support to any businesses or organizations struggling with bankruptcy or should there be any exceptions? Why? What do you think are some reasons why businesses go bankrupt? Discuss.
  • Do you believe your government is doing a good job in providing sufficient support to businesses or organizations in your country, especially during crises? Why do you say so? Discuss.