Mayor says state may need to step in as buyers circle Our Lady of Fatima Hospital

Mayor Lapati told the council that parties have expressed interest in purchasing Our Lady of Fatima Hospital but that prior sale efforts were disrupted when proposed bond financing failed to sell in the market. He said the state cannot afford for Fatima and Roger Williams hospitals to close and suggested the state may ultimately step in if neither is sold.

Lapati said a local resident is holding a $6 million charitable fund that could be tapped to help operations, though he reported he had not received a callback when attempting to follow up. He named potential interested parties that have been reported publicly and inquired about their intentions; the mayor said he would keep the council updated as conversations continue.

Council members asked procedural questions about the prior deal and whether entities named in news reports — including Lifespan and Landmark — are for‑profit or nonprofit buyers. The mayor characterized Landmark as a for‑profit operator during the discussion. No motion or formal vote was taken on the hospital at the Nov. 5 meeting.