AYER – First responders in Northern Worcester County say they’re on the verge of collapse after the closure of the Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, Massachusetts.
Towns struggle to cover EMS costs
Fire chiefs in the area have asked Governor Maura Healey to include $9.6 million in the state’s upcoming supplemental budget to help pay for emergency medical response. The fire chiefs said the closure has left communities shorthanded and struggling to cover emergency calls.
The closure of the hospital was announced in July, months after its owners, Steward Health Care , filed for bankruptcy in May. At that time, the company said it would sell all of its hospitals, including seven it had in Massachusetts.
Nashoba Valley Medical Center closed on Aug. 31, despite pleas from the community for Healey to step in and save the hospital. Community leaders have said the closure of the hospital has created a health desert in the area and increased EMS rides from 2.4 miles to 11-16 miles.
Healey says help is coming
Healey said her administration is working on a solution…