SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB\/WSHM) – With only a week away until Baystate Health acquires Mercy Medical Center, some doctors are unsure about their future and some patients are sharing their concerns. <\/p>\n
In April, Trinity Health, Mercy\u2019s parent company, blamed staffing shortages and a growing move to outpatient care for shifting its services to Baystate Health. Both companies have said they believe the nearly $300 million deal is the best way to keep services available long term. <\/p>\n
In the short term, patients who have relied on Mercy for years say they are getting the short end of the stick. <\/p>\n
One Ludlow resident was badly injured a year ago and has needed ongoing care since. She has a health insurance plan that provides healthcare through accredited hospitals, including Trinity Health. She says the doctors she relies on are leaving due to the changes and she was told to call Baystate to find a new provider. <\/p>\n
\u201cCalled and he said, \u2018Okay, we\u2019re taking names and you\u2019re going on a wait list,\u2019\u201d Chris Carr Hill said. \u201cI said, \u2018To get an appointment?\u2019 \u2018No. The wait list is to determine if you will become a patient.\u2019 I said, \u2018Seriously?\u2019 He said, \u2018Yes and there\u2019s already over a hundred names on the list.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Hill also said with Baystate Health already downsizing over the past couple years, many patients are wondering how the staff will handle this new load of patients. All of the indecision is why Hill says she can no longer wait for answers. <\/p>\n
\u201cPrimary cares are hard to find already. So, I\u2019ve determined I\u2019m not going to go to BayState nor Trinity,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m moving to a new practice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Western Mass News has reached out to Baystate for comment and are waiting to hear back. <\/p>\n
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