Waterbury Hospital among three hospitals UConn Health is looking to buy

UConn Health could be expanding. State leaders are talking about buying three hospitals in Waterbury, Putnam, and Bristol.

They include Waterbury Hospital, Bristol Hospital, and Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. State lawmakers say this could be especially good news for Waterbury Hospital.

“The hospital needs investment in its infrastructure, the physical infrastructure, but also in its working infrastructure,” Sen. Saud Anwar, (D)-South Windsor, said.

Waterbury Hospital is one of three hospitals held by the bankrupt Prospect Medical Holdings. Sen. Anwar believes having UConn Health take over means better care and staffing for patients.

He’s against having another private equity firm be in charge.

“We don't want that in our state. We have had a bad experience. We want our local healthcare systems to be part of it,” he said.

Governor Ned Lamont says a potential deal would help support UConn Health’s academic and research programs.

“If they were part of a partnership that was broader, that included some other hospitals, they might be in a stronger negotiating position and a better position,” he said.

In a statement, Bristol Hospital says it’s had “positive” discussions with UConn Health saying in part: “Bristol Health recognizes the strategic importance of integrating our organizations into a system of care that delivers enhanced value, quality, and access, consistent with our Mission of ‘Caring Today for Your Tomorrow’”.

Day Kimball Hospital says they’re deferring comment to UConn Health and so far, Waterbury Hospital has not responded to our request. A Quinnipiac University professor says a big question about any potential deal is who will be looking at the quality of patient care.

“What kind of quality am I going to get if I go into this healthcare system and can we as Connecticut taxpayers afford this business deal?” Angela Mattie, professor in the Schools of Business and Medicine at Quinnipiac University, said.

Senator Anwar believes it would be a wise move saying good quality hospitals are economic engines for the state.

“Any big company that wants to come to a state, they want to get their workforce to be treated in case of emergencies, but also for their well-being,” he said.

Governor Lamont says he should have more information on a potential deal as soon as next week.

As for the other two hospitals owned by Prospect Medical, Rockville General and Manchester Memorial, Governor Lamont said there's a “strong bidder” for them as well, but he didn't elaborate on if that's UConn Health.