New Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healy has weighed in on the deal that would allow Boston-based Partners HealthCare to complete its acquisitions of South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, Mass., and Hallmark Health System in Melrose, Mass.
In a three-page court filing, Ms. Healy showed her strong opposition to the deal and even threatened to bring an antitrust lawsuit to block Partners acquisition of South Shore Hospital if the consent judgment — which Ms. Healy's predecessor, Martha Coakley, entered into with Partners — is not entered by the court.
Martha Coakley negotiated with Partners and entered into a deal that would allow the network to add at least three more hospitals. However, Ms. Healy is taking a tougher stance in threatening to litigate the matter, which was an option Ms. Coakley had as well.
"Should the Court decline to enter the Consent Judgment, I fully anticipate that my office will exercise its right under paragraph 61 of the Consent Judgment to void the office's agreement with Partners," Ms. Healy stated in her court filing. "I anticipate we then would litigate to enjoin Partners' proposed acquisition of South Shore Hospital, and likely use additional time to further evaluate the proposed Hallmark transaction."
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