About 70 people traveled to Beacon Hill Tuesday advocating for the restoration of healthcare services in the Northern Berkshires.
The group delivered petitions signed by 12,000 people to the offices of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert DeLeo. Many state officials were attending ceremonies commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings. State Representative Gailanne Cariddi greeted the group as it arrived at the statehouse Tuesday afternoon. The Democrat from North Adams says those on Beacon Hill are hearing the concerns.
“It’s that deep commitment and concern of the community that’s really brought people together, given them the ability to have action and really put a face to what the residents of North Berkshire look like right here in the statehouse,” said Cariddi.
Many state officials were attending ceremonies commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings Tuesday afternoon.
Among the group that traveled by way of two charter buses was Cindy Bird who worked for Northern Berkshire Healthcare for 26 years. She believes the group got its message across, but is disappointed Governor Patrick hasn’t been more visible on the issue.
“He needs to be working harder to get this fixed,” said Bird.
Berkshire Medical Center is awaiting federal licenses to operate a satellite emergency facility in the region after North Adams Regional Hospital closed March 28. NBH filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy April 3.
A status hearing involving the court-appointed bankruptcy trustee, bondholders and Berkshire Health Systems regarding NBH’s assets is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday in Springfield.
