South Shore Hospital's Plan to Merge with Partners Earns Mostly Praise at Community Hearing

Seth Frattasio of Hanover stood in front of a standing-room-only crowd at Old South Union Church on Wednesday afternoon, holding back tears as he recounted how the South Shore Hospital saved his wife’s life.

Frattasio's wife, Elizabeth, suffered in a coma for 45 days. Without the hospital's capable staff, he said, his wife would not be alive.

“We advocate at every chance we get for the hospital,” Frattasio said.

Frattasio was one of many patients and family members who joined local residents, hospital staff and officials in praising South Shore Hospital and voicing support for its proposed merger with the Boston-based hospital chain Partners HealthCare. Wednesday's public hearing was organized by the Department of Public Health.

Supporters said the merger would expand community-based specialty care services, increase the availability of preventive and primary care and bring more advanced technology while keeping it a community hospital.

“I cannot see where this merger could change the community here,” said  Weymouth resident Chuck Zonerman, who volunteers at the hospital. “It can do nothing but enhance the care.” 

Dr. Gary Gottlieb, President and CEO of Partners HealthCare, said the merger would provide a better and more organized patient experience with improved outcomes.

“This acquisition will improve the availability and accessibility of service locally, enhance clinical offerings and yield efficiencies, all of which will, in turn, result in the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective health care to the South Shore, thus achieving the changes mandated by health reform,” Gottlieb said.

Peter Forman, president of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, and Laura DiBona of the Columbian Square Business Association, said the merger would be a boon to the business community.

Weymouth Rep. Jamie Murphy called the merger a “necessary change." Rep. Geoff Diehl, R-Whitman, who also represents Abington, Whitman and East Bridgewater, and Marshfield Rep. James Cantwell, also said they support the proposed merger.

But not everyone echoed those views. Some local officials remain undecided.

Weymouth Town Councilor Michael Smart questioned whether the merger would lead to layoffs and said he still wants to hear more from Partners before he submits written comments to the Department of Public Health by the March 18 deadline. Smart also said Mayor Sue Kay will submit written comments once she listens to the hearing. She was unable to attend Wednesday’s forum. 

Weymouth Councilor Robert Conlon said he was upset about the timing of the public meeting and that it was inappropriate to hold it at 2 p.m. when most residents were working.

Celia Wcislo, vice president of the Massachusetts division of Local 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, said she worried that the merger could affect workers’ wages and benefits.

Partners was founded by Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is now the largest private employer in the state. Members include Newton-Wellesley Hospital, McLean Hospital, Faulkner Hospital and the Spaudling Rehabilitation Network.

Residents are asked to submit written comments about the merger to the Department of Public Health by March 18.

Correction: Rep. Diehl also represents Abington, Whitman and East Bridgewater.

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