Parent Company Caritas Christi Absorbs Losses While Launching $22 Million Capital Improvement Plan for Modernization
NORWOOD — Hit by sweeping industry pressures including Medicare cutbacks, tightfisted HMOs, and shorter patient stays, Caritas Norwood Hospital has posted a record $9 million loss, marking the largest deficit in the hospital’s history. Chief Executive Delia O’Connor stated that administrators are actively evaluating expenses to bring the hospital into the black by fiscal year 2000, while the parent network, Caritas Christi Catholic Health System, absorbs the financial blow. Dr. John Cadigan, president of the hospital’s medical staff and chief of cardiology, noted that the facility inherited significant financial burdens and an inefficient billing system when Caritas acquired the Neponset Valley Health System—which includes Norwood and Southwood hospitals—following the collapse of a planned acquisition by Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp.
Despite the troubled financial picture, which would have exceeded $14 million without a $5 million settlement payoff from Columbia/HCA, Caritas has expanded its committed capital investment from $15 million to $22 million to revitalize the 79-year-old, 197-bed facility. Major improvement plans include constructing a new cardiac catheterization laboratory, a pediatric care unit overseen by Children’s Hospital physicians, a modern day surgery area, and the hospital’s first Catholic chapel. Furthermore, a $4.7 million overhaul of the outdated emergency room will relocate services to the rear entrance with improved parking and upgraded operating room equipment. While the facility lost four obstetricians to Sturdy Hospital following the merger and the cessation of birth control and abortion services, administrators remain focused on marketing expanded maternity and cardiac programs to secure the hospital’s long-term future.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Norwood Hospital Stories
-
Medical Building Still Empty-July 8, 1977
Discover the story behind 480 Washington Street, once the town’s premier medical hub in 1959, and the 1977 efforts to reconcile its high market price with local demand for office space.
-
In Memoriam – Walter Blasenak
Former Norwood Town Manager, Dead At 71 Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the United Church of Norwood for Walter A. Blasenak, who was Norwood town manager for more than 14 years, from 1957 to 1971. Mr. Blasenak, 71, of 28 Nottingham Dr., died in Norwood Hospital yesterday after a long…
-
Hospital Study Committee Recommends Four Alternate Sites for Recreation Complex-August 17, 1976
If Norwood Hospital expands onto the Civic Center site, a study committee recommended four alternate locations for a new recreation complex, prioritizing an Olympic pool and comprehensive athletic facilities.
-
Volunteer Margaret Kennedy Brings Joy to Homebound Residents Through Meals on Wheels-August 6, 1976
At 75 years old, Norwood Meals on Wheels volunteer Margaret Kennedy dedicates her retirement to helping homebound seniors, veterans, and local community organizations.
-
Norwood Hospital, State Discuss Foxboro State Hospital-August 5, 1976
Negotiations between Norwood Hospital and the Department of Mental Health over utilizing Foxboro State Hospital buildings have stalled, leaving the state land use committee waiting for finalized plans.
-
Norwood Hospital’s Proposed Parking Lot at Washington and Winter Streets Draws Heavy Fire-August 13, 1975
Norwood Hospital’s request for a zoning variance to build a 44-car parking lot at Washington and Winter Streets drew sharp opposition from planning board representative Francis Wisgirda and neighborhood residents over zoning, traffic, and safety concerns.
-
Norwood Hospital Proposes Purchasing Civic Center as Expansion Alternative, Other Selectmen’s Notes-August 6, 1975
Facing severe space constraints and rising relocation estimates to Walpole, Norwood Hospital officials proposed acquiring the Civic Center as a viable local expansion alternative during a selectmen’s meeting.⠀
-
New Hospital Center Handles July 4th Rush-July 10, 1975
Norwood Hospital Ambulatory Care Center Performance On July 10, 1975, Norwood Hospital reported a successful test of its new ambulatory care center during the heavy patient traffic of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. ⠀ According to Public Relations Director Eileen Sullivan, the center—which had opened four months prior at 15 Linden St.—effectively managed the…
-
Hostage Taken in Robbery, Officer Shot, 2 Arrested-This Day in Norwood History- September 7, 1974
This Day in Norwood History- September 7, 1974-Hostage Taken in Robbery, Officer Shot, 2 Arrested
-
Proposed Land Swap Between Norwood Civic Center and Hospital Expansion Site Generates Mixed Reactions-August 17, 1974
Candidate Francis J. Keady proposed trading the Norwood Civic Center for the hospital’s 24-acre Walpole expansion site, drawing skepticism from town manager John P. Mogan and selectman Joseph W. Wall.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.