Advocates continue to push for Leominster maternity ward to remain open

PHOTO | Courtesy of Google Maps UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital in Leominster

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By Isabel Tehan

Following a May announcement that UMass Memorial Health will shutter its maternity ward at the HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital, Leominster Campus, community advocates continue to push for services to remain in place.

The Massachusetts Nurses Association, a Canton-based labor union and advocacy group, has since the announcement been outspoken against the announced closure, scheduled for September. Along with regional lawmakers, the group alleges that the closure will negatively impact access to healthcare for local patients.

MNA member nurses will testify at a July 6 hearing, aiming to establish a receivership for failing healthcare systems, according to a Friday press release from the union. Currently, there is no established state mechanism for keeping a hospital system or center open.

A coalition, called Community United to Save Our Birthing Center, has also been formed of concerned citizens, former patients, and advocates, according to a June 28 release from the group.

The grassroots group will hold a protest on July 10 at the Leominster Town Common in opposition to the closure. The coalition has also launched an online petition to stop the closure, calling it “dangerous.”

These measures are in advance of a July 24 public hearing on the closure required by law of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.