SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Leaders from Baystate Health and Mercy Medical Center faced questions from the community in a public forum at South End Community Center Tuesday night as they laid out their plans ahead of Baystate’s takeover of Mercy.

The deal between Baystate and Trinity Health Of New England is expected to close November 1. Until then, the hospitals will operate separately. Once the transaction is final, Mercy’s emergency department will remain open 24-7. They’re also hoping to “grow” services and fill unused beds at Mercy, potentially adding 150 to 200 clinical jobs.

Some community members are still pushing back. Mickey Harris, CEO of Springfield Partners for Community action, said low income, elderly, and young residents are already struggling with housing, snap cuts, and insurance changes. “Medical attention is paramount, particularly to the young, the elderly, and the poor. I haven’t heard anything about what they’re going to do for the community…It’s important that each of these folks in leadership understand there are large communities dependent upon them and they need to be responsive to those communities,” Harris explained.

Hospital leaders acknowledged ongoing staffing shortages and financial challenges, but said they’re working on recruitment and on helping patients stay enrolled in Medicaid.

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