A controversial plan that would have seen Day Kimball Healthcare in rural northeast Connecticut become part of Massachusetts-based Catholic health system Covenant Health has been called off.
Representatives from Covenant and Day Kimball confirmed that the deal, first announced over a year ago and nearing the end of a regulatory review process, would no longer be proceeding after Covenant decided to end the process, The Connecticut News Project reports.
A coalition of northeast Connecticut residents opposing the deal called on state officials last summer to deny the Catholic health system’s proposal to acquire Day Kimball Hospital in rural Putnam, citing potential restrictions the new owner could place on reproductive health and emergency contraception, as well as gender-affirming, end-of-life and other care
“Obviously we are incredibly disappointed,” Day Kimball Chief Executive Kyle Kramer said Tuesday. “The reality is that this is a shock to us, and we obviously will be evaluating our next steps carefully, but we remain committed to continuing to serve as a strong employer and serving the health care needs of our region.”
Day Kimball signed an “affiliation agreement” with Covenant Health in November of 2021 and filed an application for a certificate of need with the state’s Office of Health Strategy last April. Read more.
