Vernon Officials Calling For Hearing To Assess Hospital's Future

VERNON, CT — Vernon officials are asking state officials to conduct a public hearing in an effort to keep Rockville General Hospital fully operational as Eastern Connecticut Health Network consolidates the licenses of RGH and Manchester Memorial Hospital.

An April 28 letter made the request to the state Office Of Health Strategy.

Mayor Daniel Champagne said state law allows the request.

Vernon Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said municipal officials are supportive of the license consolidation, but not at the expense of "programs and services" at RGH.

He said town officials have been "reassured" and also "expect" that ECHN "remains and integral part of out local health care system."

That expectation is that RGH services "return to pre-pandemic levels," Purcaro said.

Purcaro said a hearing date will be announced when the town is notified.