Massachusetts lawmakers passed an emergency bill to seize the Norwood Hospital property from Medical Properties Trust (MPT) through eminent domain. The legislation now awaits the governor's signature to authorize the acquisition.
The state plans to expedite the transfer of the site to a new nonprofit operator. The hospital has remained shuttered since severe flooding damaged the facility in 2020.
Redevelopment stalled following the bankruptcy of the hospital's former operator, Steward Health Care. Lawmakers pursued the seizure after accusing MPT of failing to negotiate a sale in good faith. The action aims to restore essential healthcare services to the region.