Patients share concerns over Mercy acquisition by Baystate

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.

In April, Trinity Health, Mercy’s 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.

In the short term, patients who have relied on Mercy for years say they are getting the short end of the stick.

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.

“Called and he said, ‘Okay, we’re taking names and you’re going on a wait list,’” Chris Carr Hill said. “I said, ‘To get an appointment?’ ‘No. The wait list is to determine if you will become a patient.’ I said, ‘Seriously?’ He said, ‘Yes and there’s already over a hundred names on the list.’”

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.

“Primary cares are hard to find already. So, I’ve determined I’m not going to go to BayState nor Trinity,” she said. “I’m moving to a new practice.”

Western Mass News has reached out to Baystate for comment and are waiting to hear back.