Will Saint Anne's keep doctor's appointments? Questions remain as Steward goes bankrupt

FALL RIVER — Steward Health Care filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection has led to uncertainty at the company’s 33 hospitals nationwide, including Saint Anne’s.

The for-profit hospital chain employs more than 30,000 people nationally, 1,500 of them at Saint Anne’s. The hospital on South Main Street is a major medical center for patients across the SouthCoast, serving thousands from walk-ins at its emergency room to cancer patients at the Hudner Oncology Center.

But whether its services will continue long-term is a fluid situation as the matter proceeds through bankruptcy court. The Dallas-based chain is tens of millions of dollars in debt to over 100,000 creditors, including its landlord, Medical Properties Trust.

Here’s what Saint Anne’s patients in Greater Fall River need to know:

Is Saint Anne’s Hospital going to close?

Spokesmen for Steward have said they do not intend to close any hospitals, and want to find buyers for them all.

During the first day of U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Steward attorney Ray C. Schrock told a judge, "Our goal is that zero hospitals are closed on our watch."

In April, Steward closed New England Sinai Hospital in Stoughton, a specialty hospital for rehabilitation and acute long-term care.

I see a doctor at Saint Anne’s regularly. Does Steward foresee any changes to patients’ routines?

Steward spokeswoman Deb Chiaravalloti said that, at this point in time, “No, we do not.”

I have an upcoming appointment or surgery scheduled at Saint Anne’s. Is it still going to happen?

Yes. According to an announcement on Steward’s website, “Steward’s hospitals, medical centers and physician’s offices are open and continuing to serve patients and the broader community and our commitment to our employees will not change.”

Are nurses still working regular shifts?

According to Chiaravalloti, there have been no significant changes to nursing staffing at Saint Anne’s since the bankruptcy announcement.

Are Saint Anne’s employees going to be paid?

Yes. A ruling on Tuesday by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher M. Lopez has allowed Steward to meet payroll for its workers nationwide.

Is Steward formulating any plans to refer patients to other facilities in case the situation changes and Saint Anne's can’t fulfill appointments?

A spokesman for Steward had no comment.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Questions remain about Saint Anne's Hospital amid bankruptcy talks