Worcester chamber, UMass Memorial, community groups oppose Mass General Brigham expansion
Photo | Courtesy | Mass General Brigham
A rendering of the planned Mass General Brigham outpatient center on West Park Drive in Westborough
A group of Central Massachusetts entities including the Worcester and Marlborough chambers of commerce, UMass Memorial Health and community groups have formed a coalition opposed to Mass General Brigham's expansion plans, which include a new outpatient facility in Westborough.
The opponents, in a new group called the Coalition to Protect Community Care, have cited existing services in Westborough and other areas where Mass General Brigham plans outpatient centers, including Woburn and an expanded site in Westwood, as the healthcare giant looks to grow its footprint outside the immediate Boston area.
UMass Memorial Health, the Worcester-based health provider, first came out in opposition to the Westborough plans in February, as the Worcester Business Journal previously reported.
Now it's joined by Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce and community groups including United Way of Central Massachusetts, Central West Justice Center, which has a Worcester office, Worcester Community Action Council, Thrive Support & Advocacy of Marlborough, YWCA Central Massachusetts and the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester.
Coghlin Electrical Contractors of Worcester has also joined, as have other healthcare entities including Shields Health Care Group of Quincy and Wellforce, a company including Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital and Tufts Medical Center.
The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce cited worries about an impact on access to care, local jobs and healthcare costs. The United Way and YWCA both cited a potential worsening of health disparities.
Mass General Brigham, formerly Partners HealthCare, issued a statement in response to the opposition.
"We are focused on bringing primary care, mental health services, ambulatory surgery, imaging and specialty care to our existing patients in more affordable, cost-effective settings. We have tens of thousands of existing patients that will benefit from getting their care closer to home, instead of driving to Boston," it said.
"The regulatory process currently underway is not intended as a forum for competitors to protect their economic interests. It is supposed to be a determination, on the health care merits, of the value of the investment," the statement said. "If it provides a positive benefit to patients, it should be approved. Our proposed health care projects clearly meet that standard, and will allow us to deliver the right care, at the right time, in the right place and at a lower cost."
The company is going through regulatory reviews now for its expansion plan, which includes new patient buildings at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The Westborough facility would be located in a new building planned for at 1400 W. Park Drive off Route 9.
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As both a lifelong Metrowest resident and MGB patient I was surprised and thrilled to learn about the proposed outpatient facility in Westborough. Thanks to MGB’s ongoing leadership on numerous fronts I’ve been able to enjoy a full life despite encountering multiple serious medical conditions. However, since relocating to Worcester County a few years ago, the long distance drive to tests, treatments, and practitioner visits has become a major burden, especially during inclement weather. Having nearby access to my lifelong medical team and their services could literally be a lifesaver.
Peter Jacobs
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