A coalition of northeast Connecticut residents is calling on state officials to deny a 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, the Hartford Courant reportts.
The group, Save Day Kimball Hospital, gathered momentum this summer after the hospital filed an application with the state in April — known as a “certificate of need” — seeking the Office of Health Strategy’s approval to transfer ownership to Massachusetts-based Covenant Health. OHS responded in late May, asking for additional information, and Day Kimball provided responses in late July.
But coalition members say the proposed deal, and the state’s response, have proceeded with “little to no community input.”
The group has held meetings, sent letters to state officials and protested outside the hospital with signs. They argue that the Catholic Church’s Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services could eliminate needed services in their rural community, leaving residents with few options. Read more.
