Norwood, Massachusetts, January 14, 2026
Lawmakers in Massachusetts have proposed legislation that would allow the state to acquire Norwood Hospital through eminent domain. The aim is to restore necessary healthcare services in the region, which has been without its local hospital since 2020 due to prolonged closure after a flood. The bill, introduced by Senator Michael Rush and Representative John H. Rogers, seeks to address a significant public health crisis affecting Norfolk County residents. The initiative reflects a growing urgency to resolve the impasse over hospital operations and ensure accessible medical care for the community.
Norwood, Massachusetts
State lawmakers have introduced new legislation that would enable the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to acquire the property of Norwood Hospital through eminent domain. This legislative action, filed by State Senator Michael Rush and State Representative John H. Rogers on Monday, January 12, 2026, serves as a potential pathway to restore vital healthcare services to the region, which has been without its community hospital since 2020. The bill, designated as House Bill H.5528, aims to break a prolonged impasse in the hospital’s future, ensuring that the health and safety of residents are prioritized.
Norwood Hospital, situated at 800 Washington Street, has remained closed since June 2020, when a severe flash flood caused extensive damage, forcing its evacuation and eventual cessation of operations. This extended closure has created a discernible public health crisis in Norfolk County and its surrounding communities. Local officials, including Norwood’s General Manager Tony Mazzucco, have underscored the critical need for a local hospital, pointing to an average transport time of 39 minutes for critical care incidents, a reality that places considerable strain on emergency services and neighboring medical facilities. The absence of such a fundamental institution touches the lives of many, reminding communities of the enduring importance of accessible, immediate care.
Legislative Intent and Context
The legislation put forth by Senator Rush and Representative Rogers is intended to serve as a decisive measure should ongoing negotiations for the hospital’s reopening prove unsuccessful. The property is currently owned by Medical Properties Trust, a real estate firm that acquired it from Steward Health Care. Steward Health Care, the hospital’s previous owner, ceased reconstruction efforts in February 2024 due to contractors’ claims of unpaid dues and subsequently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2024, ultimately abandoning Norwood Hospital in October 2024. While Medical Properties Trust has reportedly been engaging with prospective hospital operators to facilitate a sale and complete construction, the physical shell of the unfinished hospital persists as a stark symbol of unfulfilled promise.
This legislative push reflects a growing urgency among state officials to resolve the protracted lack of hospital services. Representative Rogers emphasized that while he and Senator Rush support continued negotiations, the community cannot afford further delays. The bill explicitly seeks to authorize the Commonwealth to acquire the property through eminent domain, allowing it to be transferred to a qualified hospital operator and thereby ensuring the restoration of essential emergency and acute care.
Precedent and Broader Implications
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has previously utilized eminent domain to secure hospital properties. In 2024, the state took over Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton using eminent domain, transferring its operations to Boston Medical Center to prevent a public health emergency. This precedent highlights the state’s capacity and willingness to intervene when local healthcare access is severely threatened.
The situation in Norwood is part of a broader landscape of healthcare challenges within Massachusetts, particularly those involving facilities formerly under Steward Health Care. The “Finish Norwood Hospital” campaign, a local initiative, has been actively advocating for the hospital’s revival, garnering regional support for its cause. The ongoing efforts to address the void left by Norwood Hospital’s closure underscore a shared commitment to ensuring that communities retain access to critical medical infrastructure. The introduction of this bill marks a significant development in this long-standing endeavor, signaling a renewed determination to secure a future where the people of Norwood and neighboring towns once again have a hospital in their midst.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the latest legislative action regarding Norwood Hospital?
- State Senator Michael Rush and State Representative John H. Rogers introduced legislation (House Bill H.5528) on Monday, January 12, 2026, to allow the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to take ownership of Norwood Hospital via eminent domain.
- When did Norwood Hospital close and why?
- Norwood Hospital closed in June 2020 after a severe flash flood caused extensive damage.
- Who currently owns the Norwood Hospital property?
- The Norwood Hospital property is currently owned by Medical Properties Trust.
- Why are lawmakers pursuing eminent domain for Norwood Hospital?
- Lawmakers are pursuing eminent domain as a potential backup plan if ongoing negotiations with prospective operators to reopen the hospital fail. The goal is to restore essential healthcare services to the region, which has been experiencing a public health crisis due to the hospital’s closure.
- Has Massachusetts used eminent domain for hospitals before?
- Yes, Massachusetts previously used eminent domain to take over Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton in 2024, facilitating its transfer to Boston Medical Center.
- What is the significance of the hospital’s closure for the community?
- The closure has led to a public health crisis in Norfolk County, with critical care transport times averaging 39 minutes, increasing strain on surrounding hospitals and impacting residents’ access to timely medical care.
Key Features of the Norwood Hospital Eminent Domain Legislation
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | To authorize the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to acquire Norwood Hospital property through eminent domain to facilitate its reopening. | State-level |
| Legislation Filed By | State Senator Michael Rush and State Representative John H. Rogers. | State-level |
| Bill Number | House Bill H.5528. | State-level |
| Date Filed | Monday, January 12, 2026. | Local/State-level |
| Current Property Owner | Medical Properties Trust. | Nationwide (owner), Local (property) |
| Reason for Action | Norwood Hospital’s closure since June 2020 due to flooding, leading to a public health crisis in Norfolk County. The bill is a backup plan if current negotiations fail. | Local/State-level |
| Community Impact | Average critical care transport times of 39 minutes due to lack of local hospital access. | Local |
| Precedent | Massachusetts used eminent domain to take over Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton in 2024. | State-level |
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