Norfolk Board signs letters urging full acute-care restoration at Southwood Hospital

Members reported that a bill restoring full acute-care services at Southwood Hospital cleared the House but had not yet cleared the Senate. John Bowman said the board prepared letters to Senator Rausch asking support in the Senate and to Governor Healey to request approval if the legislation reaches the governor. The letters were signed and scheduled to go out the following day.

Discussion also touched on a Phase 2 report for the Southwood property and concerns raised about historical dumping. Andy questioned the report’s use of an interviewee’s 1972 recollection and said other evidence suggests ongoing dumping occurred later. The board said it would continue reviewing environmental materials and advocacy steps on hospital services separately.