Steward Health Care transitions

In 2024, Steward Health Care filed for bankruptcy protection. Since then, in Massachusetts two of its hospitals closed and five continue to operate under new ownership.

Following Steward’s bankruptcy, the Commonwealth actively supported affected patients, employees, and communities. The Healey-Driscoll Administration collaborated with the following groups to create the smoothest transition possible: 

• Neighboring hospitals 
• Emergency medical service providers 
• Community health centers 
• Urgent care centers 
• Community organizations 
• Labor unions 
• Other community-based services 

Closures of Carney and Nashoba Valley

Carney Hospital (Boston) and Nashoba Valley Medical Center (Ayer) closed August 31, 2024.  

• If you need medical records from Nashoba Valley Medical Center, visit the Steward Access Portal 
• If you need medical records from Carney Hospital, use the following contact information. Call the Health Information Management Department at [phone] with any questions. 
  •  Boston Medical Center 
     Attn: Health Information Management 
     850 Harrison Avenue (Yawkey Basement) 
     Boston, MA 02118 
     Fax: [phone] 

You can also explore these resources for care in your area: 

• Find an urgent care center or retail clinics 
• View capacity at nearby hospitals  
• Access healthcare transportation services 

The Commonwealth helped affected employees find new jobs at other hospitals and health care organizations. The MassHire Department of Career Services remains a resource for any job seeker.  

Following the closures, two working groups assessed the needs of the surrounding communities. Many people took part, including members from:  

• Community organizations 
• Town leadership 
• Hospitals 
• Health centers 
• Public agencies 
• Emergency medical services 
• Labor unions 
• Other key groups  

Each working group developed recommendations for supporting health in these communities. Read the reports: 

• Nashoba Valley Health Planning Working Group Report (PDF) 
• Dorchester Health Planning Work Group Report and Recommendations (PDF) 

Transition of five hospitals to new operators

The five hospitals that are open and operating under new ownership are:  

• St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton (now Boston Medical Center Brighton) 
• Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton (now Boston Medical Center South) 
• Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River (now part of Brown University Health) 
• Morton Hospital in Taunton (now part of Brown University Health) 
• Holy Family Hospital in Methuen and Haverhill (now Merrimack Health Methuen Hospital and Haverhill Hospital) 

Are you a patient who needs your hospital medical records? Contact these hospitals directly. Hospital records may be destroyed 30 years after patient discharge or final treatment. 

Norwood Hospital

Steward also operated Norwood Hospital. This hospital closed for reconstruction in June 2020 after extensive flooding. In October 2024, Norwood Hospital notified DPH that it planned to close the hospital and related outpatient clinics. This activated DPH’s closure process, including a public hearing. Norwood’s license expired November 5, 2024.  

Brown University Health now operates two of Norwood Hospital’s outpatient clinics in Foxborough. These two programs continue to provide care for patients. This includes an oncology center, the Brown University Health Cancer Institute in Foxborough.  

Medical Properties Trust is the current owner of the Norwood Hospital site. In August 2026, Governor Maura Healey signed a law that could determine the future of the hospital. The law makes the following possible:  

• If Medical Properties Trust does not sell the hospital by November 1, 2026, the state can step in 
• The state could start a process to find an operator for a new healthcare facility there 
• If it finds a suitable operator, the state could take the property by eminent domain 
• Then the state would transfer the property to that new operator 

Closure of Steward Medical Group

Steward Health Care also closed Steward Medical Group practices. A company now known as Bookmark Medical acquired Steward Medical Group. If you need medical records from a closed Steward practice, contact Bookmark Medical. Practice records may be destroyed after seven years. 

More resources for people seeking care

• MassHealth 
  MassHealth provides health benefits and help paying for them. You must meet certain qualifications. You can reach the MassHealth Customer Service Center at [phone]. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Health Care For All 
  The Health Care For All HelpLine helps Massachusetts residents apply for health insurance. The HelpLine is free and available in many languages. You can call if you have insurance questions, issues with state insurance, or need a referral. Call [phone] or fill out a form online. 
• Regional Aging Services Access Points (ASAP)  
  Sponsored by the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, ASAPs provide programs and services designed to support adults aged 60 and older and their caregivers. From exploring care options and assistance with nutrition and food security, to support with housing, health, financial wellness, transportation, and safety, ASAPs are there to help.