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Confounding skeptics, (including Franklin Observer), Steward Health, the parent of Norwood Hospital, held a ceremonial groundbreaking Tuesday afternoon in the shadow of its present derelict facility; promising to deliver an entirely new facility in only two years.
It reportedly will be the first entirely new hospital structure in the area in 25 years.
Norwood Hospital was devastated by a massive flash flood some 17 months ago that destroyed or damaged the building so significantly that demolition is deemed the only workable option.
In his remarks, Congressman Stephen Lynch noted that the project had benefited from a $20 million earmark he secured through Congress as well as an additional $5 million for the town of Norwood.
He also praised the role of Governor Charlie Baker throughout the pandemic and in helping Norwood get back on its feet. In particular, he cited the Governor’s early career in the healthcare sector as a helpful asset.
Baker, for his part, commented on the vital role of the hospital in the town and in the region. According to the town of Norwood, hundreds of thousands of dollars has been spent on transporting patients to more distant facilities since the flooding shut the hospital and thousands have been out of work.
The ‘photo op’ ground breaking was held under a tent and involved scooping sand out of a long “raised bed” type of structure. But what mattered, of course, is that the long-delated project seems to be off to a new start.
Some reports have indicated that the hospital had difficulty squeezing funds from its in insuror and, as a result, is now suing them. The new facility will include 130 beds and will employ approximately 4000 people.
