Trinity Health seeks approval for relocation in Hartford EMS service area

In a meeting held on May 1, 2025, the Department of Public Health in Connecticut convened to discuss a significant application from Trinity Health of New England regarding a proposed relocation of its branch office. The atmosphere was formal yet focused, as officials gathered to review the details surrounding the application, designated as DACA number 25-006.

The hearing officer, Mr. Hanstead, opened the session by introducing the exhibits that would be part of the record, including the application itself, a notice of hearing, an affidavit, and a recommendation from the North Central EMS Council. These documents set the stage for the discussions that followed.

Attorney Nolan represented Trinity Health and called upon Mr. Kashuk, the sole witness, to affirm his pre-filed testimony. This testimony, marked as Exhibit A, was confirmed as accurate and was accepted into evidence. The core of the discussion revolved around the proposed move of the branch office from Hartford's North End to its South End, a shift of just two miles that could have implications for local emergency medical services.

During the proceedings, Mr. Kashuk clarified that the area’s emergency medical services (EMS) are divided between Aetna Ambulance and AMR, with the proposed new location falling under Aetna's jurisdiction. He noted that Aetna had expressed support for the move, while AMR's absence at the meeting suggested no objections from them either.

The hearing highlighted the unusual nature of the application process, as the standard short-form application for changing branch locations was not available due to the existing service area agreements. Despite this, Trinity Health emphasized that the relocation would not impact service delivery, merely responding to changing circumstances at their current site.

As the meeting concluded, Mr. Hanstead assured attendees that a written decision would be forthcoming, leaving the future of Trinity Health's relocation in a state of anticipation. The discussions underscored the complexities of healthcare service management and the importance of collaboration among local EMS providers, setting the stage for potential changes in community health services in Hartford.