Healthcare workers in Gilroy will hold a candlelight vigil tomorrow night at St. Louise Regional Hospital, which union members fear may be closed because of the bankruptcy of its owner, Verity Health.
When Verity purchased the hospital in 2014 it promised to keep Saint Louise open. However, in an August bankruptcy filing, Verity asked to be able to sell hospitals and shed contracts and other encumbrances. Such as a promise to remain open.
That matters in Santa Cruz right now because the State Attorney General is considering a proposed merger between the owner of Dominican Hospital and another Catholic hospital chain. The new owner has offered a five-year-promise not to close Dominican. Nurses want a 15-year promise and other assurances.
