‘Slap in the face:’ Officials respond to closure of Trumbull Regional Medical Center
Ohio and Trumbull County leaders are issuing statements and assurances to Warren’s healthcare workers after Steward Health Care announced two local medical facilities will no longer operate.
Steward Health Care announcement
Steward Health Care announced plans to close Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital, affecting hundreds of healthcare workers and patients in the Mahoning Valley area.
The closing process is set to start Sept. 19, according to WKBN.
Sen. Sherrod Brown called the announcement “a slap in the face of the hardworking health care workers.”
“Healthcare workers who made this company millions of dollars,” said Sen. Brown. “And to the patients in the Mahoning Valley who relied on Steward’s facilities for care. It’s disgraceful that corporate greed has resulted in the loss of a hospital that’s been serving this community for more than 100 years. My office is monitoring this situation closely and working to support affected workers and ensure patients continue to have access to high quality care.”
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff issued a joint statement about how this closure will affect northeast Ohio patients.
“We are deeply saddened by this news. We take seriously the potential loss of any health care provider, and we understand the deep connections that can be formed between a hospital and the community it serves,” they said.
According to the governor, the corporate leadership of Steward Health Care must be held accountable to ensure they are actively working to support their local doctors. In contrast, they work with patients and their families to find the best care alternative.
“While they have committed to do so, we will actively work with the local healthcare community to ensure they properly follow through on that pledge,” they said. “Nevertheless, we are optimistic that area residents will still be able to access quality care close to home. As many residents are aware, Mercy Health St. Joseph Hospital is located close by (1.5 miles away) and Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown (a large facility with more than 400 beds) is less than 15 miles away.
“We will continue to monitor this situation and provide whatever support we can for the region and its health care providers.”
Save Trumbull Regional Medical Center
In May, Steward Health Care filed for bankruptcy.
This summer, they’ve been unable to find any other buyers for the Mahoning Valley medical facilities they own, according to WKBN.
Warren-area community leaders like John T. Woods, president of the Insurance Navigators health insurance agency, hope to come to a solution other than closing the Trumbull Regional Medical Center.
“We’re very disappointed in Steward’s decision but still optimistic about our efforts to save and upgrade the hospital,” said Woods. “Trumbull Regional has a strong staff of doctors and employees. We are eager to work with them and the operating specialists who are looking to manage the hospital. It is still our intent to get the job done.”
Trumbull Regional patients and healthcare workers will rely on other local healthcare providers, like Bon Secours Mercy Health in Youngstown.
“In light of Steward Health Care System’s difficult decision to close Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital, Mercy Health is prepared and stands ready to help offer a smooth transition for patients during this time of change,” said Kara Franz, communications director for Mercy Health. “Further, Mercy Health is always recruiting top talent for key roles within our ministry, including positions in nursing, nursing support, imaging (all modalities), surgical tech, surgical assistants, sterile processing techs, lab professionals (all specialties), respiratory therapists and medical assistants.”
Franz said Mercy Health is also hiring for many entry level positions.
“These entry level roles are ideal for individuals interested in advancing their health care career, as Mercy Health’s competitive education benefits give employees the opportunity to further their education with tuition costs primarily covered by Mercy Health,” said Franz.
Candidates who are interested can stop by Friday’s open house hiring event at St. Joseph Warren Hospital from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to meet recruiters and managers.
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This story was originally published August 22, 2024 at 2:48 PM.