Press Release: 2025-03-13 00:00:00

Nashoba Valley Health Planning Working Group Submits Report Outlining Regional Health Care Needs, Services, Strategies

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

3/12/2025

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Cecille Joan Avila, Media Relations Manager

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Call Cecille Joan Avila, Media Relations Manager at (857) 301-0508

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BOSTON — The Nashoba Valley Health Planning Working Group today submitted to the Governor a comprehensive report outlining the findings and options for addressing the health care needs of north central Massachusetts following the closure of Nashoba Valley Medical Center by Steward Health Care in August 2024. The report offers a roadmap for addressing gaps in essential health care services, identifying emergency services, access to specialists, and outpatient imaging as priority areas. 

Governor Maura Healey convened the Working Group last fall to review the health care needs in the Nashoba Valley, particularly in light of the closure of the Medical Center. The Working Group’s efforts have focused on providing solutions to communities most affected by the hospital’s closure, including Ayer, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, and Townsend. 

Shaped by extensive community engagement and collaboration among health care providers, local leaders, elected officials, fire chiefs, labor, and community organizations, the report reflects the thoughts and concerns of those impacted by the loss of Nashoba Valley Medical Center. Thousands of community members shared their insights, wishes, and concerns through canvassing, visioning sessions, and local events. 

“We are deeply committed to implementing community-driven solutions to this region’s health care future and preserving the medical services that communities in the area need and deserve,” said Ayer Town Manager Robert Pontbriand, who served as a co-chair of the Working Group. “This report represents an important step forward, but our work is far from finished. We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to implement solutions, as practical, and strengthen the health care infrastructure that will improve the health of the residents of the Nashoba Valley.” 

The report identifies several priority areas of focus for the region, including higher priority options such as opening a Satellite Emergency Facility, expanding outpatient services like imaging and labs, increasing access to medical specialists. It also highlights the proactive steps already being taken by health care providers in the region. 

Last month, UMass Memorial Health announced plans to open a standalone emergency facility in the Nashoba Valley to help address the critical need for nearby emergency care. This emergency facility will also offer certain imaging services. Additionally, several other providers who were on the Working Group – including Emerson Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Southern New Hampshire Medical Center – stepped forward to fill some of the gaps left in the wake of Steward’s closure of Nashoba Valley Medical Center.  

“The report is a testament to the power of collaboration,” said Joanne Marqusee, Assistant Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and co-chair of the Working Group. “Listening closely to the community and working alongside health care providers in this region has enabled the Working Group to lay the groundwork for a number of actionable solutions that will benefit the area in the years ahead.”

Despite strong community desire for a full acute care hospital, the financial feasibility of re-establishing such a medical facility remains a significant barrier. The Nashoba Valley does not meet federal criteria for a rural designation or critical access hospital status, both designations that would offer additional federal funding. 

While the Working Group’s formal charge has been fulfilled and the work is wrapping up, several subcommittees will remain engaged, continuing to focus on initiatives such as implementing transportation improvements, expanding emergency medical services, and advancing outpatient care options. 

The full Nashoba Valley Health Planning Working Group report is available here.