Union, Mayor React To Hospital Merger Cancellation

Southcoast Health and Care New England announced on Monday that they were ending talks regarding a potential merger.

As the talks were ongoing union representatives from 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East expressed concerns regarding the impact the potential merger would have on their members and the community at large.

Following the announcement the union's Executive Vice President Tyrék D. Lee, Sr., issued a statement on Monday saying that the announcement demonstrates how important it is that all community members are heard and that they would be closely monitoring any new developments going forward.

"For almost a year, our members have joined with SEIU 1199 New England and our community partners across the South Coast region to examine the proposed merger between Southcoast Health and Care New England and its impact on the regional economy and healthcare delivery system. Today's news about these entities ending their affiliation underscores the importance of ensuring workers and affected communities have a meaningful voice in discussions about their livelihoods," said Lee "as Southcoast and Care New England move forward to explore their respective options, we will remain vigilant in our advocacy and look forward to our continued collaboration with all stakeholders to protect and raise standards for workers and ensure quality care for patients in these uncertain times."

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell also released a statement to WBSM News saying that he respects the decision of both organizations to end potential merger discussions.

“The decision to pursue a merger ultimately rests with the respective boards of the two hospital groups," said Mitchell "If, after a thorough exploration, board members determined that a partnership isn’t in their best interest, then I respect that decision.”