Prime Healthcare Enters Bid to Acquire Rhode Island Hospitals Facing Closure

Prime Healthcare, one of the largest for-profit health systems in the United States, has emerged as a potential buyer for Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket and Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence, Rhode Island, as the facilities face potential closure due to ongoing financial difficulties.

Rhode Island state leaders initially contacted Prime regarding the hospitals, according to a statement from Prime spokesman Noel True. “While we are in the early stages of reviewing the situation, we are honored by the trust placed in our ability to save, invest in, and improve hospitals so they can continue delivering compassionate, high-quality care to the communities they serve,” True said. The development comes as a previous deal with The Centurion Foundation, a nonprofit, has stalled due to financing challenges. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha urged Prospect Medical Holdings, the current owner, to “aggressively pursue” alternative buyers like Prime, according to a motion filed Monday.

The potential closure of Roger Williams and Fatima hospitals would significantly impact healthcare access in Rhode Island, particularly for vulnerable populations who rely on their emergency services and specialized programs – Roger Williams houses the state’s only bone marrow transplant program. Governor Dan McKee stated yesterday that his administration is “working closely” on contingency plans should other options fail. Richard Charest, the Secretary of the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, has also discussed options with Prime, according to a spokeswoman.

However, the union representing nearly 1,200 hospital employees, the United Nurses and Allied Professionals, expressed skepticism, urging state leaders to prioritize finalizing the deal with Centurion. “There is no more time to waste,” said Chris Callaci, the union’s general counsel. During a hearing in a Texas bankruptcy courtroom today, an attorney for Prospect confirmed the emergence of another buyer, though did not name Prime specifically. The hospitals have been under the ownership of Prospect Medical Holdings since 2011, and the company filed for bankruptcy in January.

Officials will continue to evaluate all options to ensure continued patient care as the bankruptcy proceedings unfold.