In 2022, nurses from Florida Medical Center in Lauderdale Lakes protested against the financial difficulties faced by Steward Health Care. The company has now filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which has caused financial trouble for five local hospitals including Palmetto General Hospital, Hialeah Hospital, Florida Medical Center in Lauderdale Lakes, Coral Gables Hospital, and North Shore Medical Center.
Steward Health Care stated that the bankruptcy filing is in the best interest of patients, physicians, employees, and communities due to challenges in the healthcare industry such as insufficient Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement and rising labor and medical supply costs. Despite this, all hospitals, doctors’ offices, and facilities will remain open during the restructuring process.
Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo Jr. confirmed that both Hialeah and Palmetto hospitals will continue to provide service despite the bankruptcy filing. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration also ensured that care at all Florida-based hospitals owned by Steward Health Care will remain consistent.
The company has received $75 million in special funding to sustain patient care services and is seeking a bailout to overcome their financial challenges. The first federal hearing on the bankruptcy filing is scheduled for Tuesday.
