Massachusetts officials seek details on effect of closing Harrington Hospital maternity and newborn services

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health seeks additional information surrounding the potential effects of Southbridge, Mass.-based Harrington Hospital's plans to close its obstetrics unit by Oct. 1, according to a Telegram & Gazette report.

The department, which must sign off on the issue, has ordered hospital officials to develop a plan "showing how patients will continue to receive care" following the proposed closure, the report states. Telegram & Gazette adds this would include "information on alternative care sites, travel time to those locations, transportation options for patients, projected numbers of patients and impact on workers," among other information.

The request was made via an Aug. 11 letter to Ed Moore, president and CEO of Harrington Hospital.

Hospital officials said in a statement obtained by Telegram & Gazette plans are in place that shouldn't significantly hinder patients' access to obstetrics services. They added they "are preparing a detailed response [to the department] that will be delivered on or before Aug. 26."

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