Brockton Hospital remains closed after fire, putting strain on first responders, patients

SHARON, Mass. — Brockton Hospital remains closed with no emergency services, elective procedures or other patient care visits since an electrical fire forced patients to evacuate on February 7.

Now surrounding towns are starting to feel the effects of this closure with fewer emergency beds available south of Boston.

“This is impacting not only the town of Sharon, but all of Norfolk County, part of Bristol County of course and Plymouth, so it’s a big area that’s affected,” said Deputy Chief Michael Madden of the Sharon Fire Department.

A trickle-down effect that’s adding stress and increased drive times on emergency responders as the hospital remains closed.

Madden says their crews will rush patients to Good Samaritan Medical Center, which is also in Brockton, but now they’re swamped with an increase in patients.

“They’re very busy, one of our ambulances waited over an hour to transfer the patient to the hospital staff,” said Madden.

He says there’s been a loss of about 200 beds in the area, forcing EMS crews to drive patients further away for care.

“It’s the more minor calls that if we can take them further away it takes some of the pressure off of Good Samaritan, for example, that’s getting inundated with all of Brockton’s calls,” said Madden.

“The health of the people of the Brockton area is now on the line,” said a spokesperson with Good Samaritan Medical Center. Their emergency room volume has doubled since the fire at Brockton Hospital.

Mass General Brigham as a whole has received 20 extra patients after the fire.

“We’ll continue to go further and further out, so we’re still transporting patients it’s not a patient care issue, they’re still getting the care they need,” said Madden.

Madden says after Norwood Hospital shut down in 2020 from historic flooding, the loss of Brockton hits hard for those south of Boston.

“Losing two hospitals squeezes patients to other areas,” said Madden.

Brockton Hospital says while they remain closed, they’re looking at opening urgent care centers in this area.

“We hope these plans along with others will alleviate the increased volume other area healthcare facilities are experiencing while providing our patients with the healthcare they need,” said a spokesperson with Brockton Hospital.

There’s still no timeline on when Brockton Hospital may reopen.

But in the meantime, Madden says don’t delay your health care, especially if you’re having an emergency. First responders will still always find a way to get people the care they need.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2023 Cox Media Group