State Health Officials: Framingham Union Hospital’s Nursery is “Essential”

FRAMINGHAM - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has determined that Framingham Union Hospital’s Level IIB nursery is an essential service.

The ruling from state health officials comes in the wake of the decision from Tenet Healthcare, the Texas-based company that owns and operates MetroWest Medical Center and its facilities, to reduce nursery services at the local hospital. Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky was informed about the decision back in February, as Tenet is planning on closing the Level IIB nursery at Framingham Union Hospital.

Tenet’s reduction plan would go into effect on June 10, according to the DPH.

Level IIB nurseries provide advanced care for newborns and their families; these services include care for premature infants and other instances of pregnancy complications. Through Tenet’s proposal, Framingham Union Hospital would still provide basic newborn care through a Level IA nursery.

The DPH held a public hearing at the Memorial Building in early April regarding Tenet’s plan, as local officials and residents were highly critical of any reductions to nursery care in the city. Public comments from April 9 included concerns about a potential gap in resources and transportation to medical facilities in Boston or Worcester for families in the MetroWest region, continued dips in morale among hospital staff, and a perceived lack of care from Tenet’s brass. During that public hearing, CEO for Tenet’s Massachusetts market Denten Park called the transition a “blessing” amid complete nursery closures nationwide, though the reduction proposal was unanimously rejected by public speakers at Nevins Hall.

In their decision, the DPH deemed that Framingham Union Hospital’s Level IIB nursery is “necessary for preserving access and health status within the Hospital’s service area.” The department cited public testimony and their own review in their determination, which now requires Tenet to submit a plan to ensure that special nursery care services will be maintained for MetroWest residents.

Tenet Healthcare has until May 9 to submit their plan to the DPH. However, the state’s ruling alone does not prevent the reduction of nursery services at MetroWest Medical Center.

“The DPH has made clear that our Level II B nursery is vital to protecting our community, and especially for the most vulnerable members of our community, who will stand to suffer the most if this center closes,” Ginnie Ford, RN—a member of Framingham Union Hospital’s Local Bargaining Unit through the Massachusetts Nurses Association—said in a statement provided to The Frame.

The DPH called upon Tenet to include the consideration of a transition to Level IB services as opposed to shuttering Level IIB resources completely within their submission. Through a Level IB nursery, Framingham Union Hospital would be required to have an advanced practitioner on site to assist with advanced complications.