‘November 17, 2014
Cree a
Ce a
By Email and Hand Delivery — Return Receipt Requested
Pa cae
Sherman Lohnes, Esq.
Director, Division of Health Care Quality
Department of Public Health
Division of Health Care quality
99 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111
‘Thomas O’Brien, Fsq
General Counsel
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108
Re: r;_ Amendment to Notice of Closure of Essential Services
Dear Mr. Lohnes and Mr. O'Brien:
We write on bebalf of Quincy Medical Center, A Steward Family Hospital, Inc., (the “Hospital”)
regarding the Hospital’s notice of November 6, 2014, and the subsequent discussions that have
‘occurred with representatives of the Department of Public Health (“DPH”). In recognition of
such discussions, and in accordance with 105 CMR 130.122(C), the Hospital hereby amends its
essential service filing by notifying DPH that the Hospital is extending the notice timeline to
reflect the ninety day (90) day period, from December 31, 2014, to no later than February 4,
2015. The Hospital will continue to work closely with DPH and other agencies to ensure that
throughout the closure process, patient safety is maintained and access to services ensured.
Furthermore, in accordance with 105 CMR 130.122(C), and the Hospital's notice filed on
November 6, 2014, it is our understanding that DPH has scheduled a public hearing regarding
said notice, to be held on December 2, 2014. Please be assured that the Hospital will be present
at said hearing and participate accordingly.
As stated in the Hospital’s filing, demand for such services has dramatically declined over the
past years, rendering the Hospital non-essential in the Quincy health care delivery system.
Furthermore, as DPH is aware, since announcing its intent to close, the hospital has continued to
experience a steady and substantial decline in patient volume. As services that are no longer in
demand or use are identified, the Hospital will phase out such services and work with DPH to
ensure patient safety and access to care. As the Hospital continues to experience a drop in
census, it is our expectation that by mid to late December, patient demand for any of the
Hospital’s services will be gone. In addition, by this point in time the free standing, physician
Donoghue Barrett & Singat
‘One Beacon Steet, Suite 1320,
Boston, MA 02108-3106
1 617.898.6700
F 4177220276
397286.1 sw. ceslavrirm.comSherman Lohnes, Bsq, Perens
‘Thomas O’Brien , Esq. eas
November 17, 2014
Page 2
based urgent care centers, that we have discussed with DPH, will be fully operational and readily
available to the people of Quincy. The importance of this timeline is to help facilitate the re-
employment of employees. This has been explicitly requested by our union employees.
Notwithstanding our notification of closure by February 4, 2015, if the aforementioned situation
arises we will coordinate with DPH to facilitate closure before said time.
We look forward to working with DPH throughout the closure process. If you have any questions
or comments, please do not hesitate to call me at 617-598-6700. Thank you.
Sincerely, 1G;
Andrew 8, Levine
cc: J. Maher, Esq.
K. Whalen
D. Allwes
J. Youmans
937286.4