Cambridge Health Alliance To Keep Three Hospitals Open, But Offer Fewer Services

The Cambridge Health Alliance is cutting 300 positions, closing six clinics and consolidating services, but supporters say the impact of state budget cuts could have been much worse.

WBUR'S Martha Bebinger reports.

CHA will maintain its three hospitals, although Somerville will not longer keep patients overnight.

Whidden and Everett will end in-patient addiction treatment, and almost half of the system's psychiatric units will close.

State Representative Alice Wolf says the Patrick administration came through with funding to avoid deeper cuts.

ALICE WOLF: The health alliance was bleeding and we were going to need a tourniquet fast, and I think we've gotten somewhat of one. Now I think the challenge is to also work with the community around some of these changes.

Cambridge Health Alliance is expecting $65 million in additional payments through the budget the governor announced today, and hoping for additional funds through a federal stimulus bill.