Nashoba Valley Medical Center Proposed Closure
Posted on: August 7, 2024 - 1:32pm
The Town of Dunstable shares concerns with our neighbors in the region over the proposed closure of Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer. Nashoba Valley Medical Center plays a critical role in our regional emergency response system.
Dunstable public safety officials are communicating regularly with leaders in the region about the effects of the closure. You can find a recent letter sent to Governor Healey signed by Police Chiefs in the region here.
As you may know, the Town of Dunstable is serviced by Trinity Ambulance. They are most often dispatched out of Lowell or Chelmsford. At present, most emergency patients in Dunstable are transported to Lowell General Hospital or Southern New Hampshire Medical Center for emergency care.
Transport distances from Dunstable Town Center to area hospitals –
Dunstable to Lowell General Hospital - 8.8 miles
Dunstable to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center – 8.1 miles
Dunstable to Nashoba Valley Medical Center – 9.6 miles
However, the Town is in frequent coordination with emergency medical services provided by neighboring Towns for emergencies requiring a swifter response time. In cases such as these, if other municipal ambulance services such as Pepperell and Groton have longer transport times, this could affect response times in the Town of Dunstable.
The concerns go well beyond emergency response times. The closure could also:
- Further burden other medical facilities already at or near capacity
- Result in longer wait times for patients
- Reduce the quality of care for patients
The Town will remain active in the discussions regarding the proposed closure and will continue to work closely with our legislative delegation, State Representative Margaret Scarsdale and State Senator Edward Kennedy, advocating for what is in the best interests of residents in the Town of Dunstable and the greater region.
For your information, the state has developed the following information, tools, and FAQs for patients of Nashoba Valley Medical Center:
The Dunstable Select Board joined communities in the region in passing an Official Resolution Requesting Emergency Declaration Regarding the Proposed Closure of the Nashoba Valley Medical Center. You can view the resolution here.