PROVIDENCE, RI -- Today, Lt. Governor Dan McKee issued the following statement on the announcement of the Memorial Hospital closure:
"As a former municipal leader, I know how important health services are to the wellbeing of a community. Just as I have on many issues that impact our municipalities, I support Mayor Grebien and Blackstone Valley residents after hearing today's announcement on the closure of Memorial Hospital.
It was my understanding that Care New England's efforts to sell would keep all facilities open and protect important healthcare jobs. We owe it to the City of Pawtucket and State of Rhode Island to revisit all serious offers that keep Memorial Hospital's doors open. This approach would preserve industry talent, protect jobs and promote maintaining healthcare services in Rhode Island.
We should also be looking for the best possible buyer for Butler Hospital, Women & Infants and Kent Hospital…a buyer that will support Rhode Island interests and prevent a brain and job drain from Rhode Island to neighboring states. Our priority should be to maintain and strengthen our local economy, our healthcare industry, our universities and the research investments they have made in our state.
I hope that instead of a hasty closure, a path toward sustainability will be diligently explored and in that Rhode Island's interests will be preserved."
Media Contact: Andrea Palagi | andrea.palagi@ltgov.ri.gov | (401) 744-7925