More than six years after a devastating rainstorm forced Norwood Hospital to close, the community may finally have a path toward bringing a full-service hospital back to town.

On June 28, 2020, the Town of Norwood experienced an extraordinary concentrated storm that dumped three to four inches of rain with flash flooding, lighting strikes, hail, torrential downpours, and destructive winds. The Norwood Historical Society describes the phenomenon as back building, where individual thunderstorm cells continuously regenerate on their trailing flank. Floodwaters broke through into Norwood Hospital damaging critical mechanical and electrical systems, forcing the evacuation of patients and ultimately closing the hospital's main campus.

What initially appeared to be a temporary loss turned into years without a local hospital. Plans were made to demolish the damaged facility and build a new hospital, but construction eventually stalled amid the financial collapse and bankruptcy of Steward Health Care.

Throughout those years, Norwood residents, town officials, first responders and state and federal lawmakers continued advocating for the return of emergency and acute care services. Concerned Norwood residents (and residents beyond) eventually banded together with 'Finish Norwood Hospital,' to keep the issue at the forefront and work toward finding a solution.

That persistence reached an important milestone last month.

Governor Maura Healey joined state and local leaders met in front of the hospital on August 21, for a ceremonial signing of recently enacted legislation designed to move the hospital property toward a qualified nonprofit healthcare operator. Under the new law, Medical Properties Trust has until Nov. 1 to reach an agreement with a qualified nonprofit operator. If that does not happen, the Commonwealth has the authority to move forward with acquiring the property through eminent domain.

The absence of the hospital has had an impact well beyond Norwood. The facility historically served approximately 250,000 residents throughout the surrounding region. Local firefighters and paramedics have also had to transport patients farther from town for emergency care, keeping ambulances and crews committed outside the community for long periods.

According to finishthejobnorwood.com, in 2019, the last full year Norwood Hospital was in operation, it experienced 42,705 ER visits, held 130 hospital beds, and serviced 14 towns.

There is still much work to be done before Norwood Hospital welcomes patients again. But after six years of uncertainty, the new legislation represents something the community has been waiting a long time to see: a tangible path forward.

State Rep. John Rogers, State Sen. Mike Rush and Congressman Stephen Lynch were among the lawmakers recognized for their efforts, along with Governor Healey, Norwood General Manager Tony Mazzucco, the Select Board, the Norwood Hospital Task Force and the many residents and first responders who have continued advocating for the hospital's return.

To stay updated on the status of the revitalization of Norwood Hospital visit finishthejobnorwood.com.