Southcoast Health Issues Response To Mayoral Letter

Southcoast Health has released a statement regarding a letter sent by community groups including 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.

As WBSM previously reported the letter was sent to New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia regarding Southcoast Health's potential merger with Care New England.

Among the requests made was a call by Tyrék Lee, Executive Vice President of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, regarding additional meetings.

Southcoast Health Spokesperson Peter Cohenno issued the following statement regarding the letter:

"SEIU leadership is well aware of the in-depth public governmental review and approval process that will be required of Southcoast Health and Care New England in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This call for additional public meetings seems more about generating publicity than genuinely engaging in a discussion about the needs of the South Coast community.

We have an open dialogue with both Mayor Mitchell and Mayor Correia’s offices, and with all public officials, concerning every facet of our proposed affiliation, and intend to continue a transparent and open process on a broad range of issues.

As a not-for-profit, charitable organization Southcoast Health has been uniquely committed to the care and well-being of South Coast residents for 20 years, and our member hospitals have served the region for more than 325 years combined."