Lynn group tries to nurse Union back to health

LYNN – Whatever happens with Partners HealthCare?s plans for Union Hospital, it was apparent Wednesday night that it won?t be without a fight from the citizens of Lynn.?We?re trying to convince Partners to stay away,” said Ward 1 Councilor Wayne Lozzi, one of many officials from Lynn and elsewhere who crowded into Wayne Alarm Systems on Essex Street Wednesday night to discuss plans that would essentially do away with all hospital services at Union.?We?re all on the same page,” Lozzi said. “It?s really true. What we need right now is community involvement. That?s where it starts.”The Save Union Hospital Committee renewed its attempts forestall Partners? plans for Union. Elected officials and other leaders from several communities gathered to voice their concerns over a proposal that would strip Union of its surgical beds, put its emergency room in jeopardy, and leave the complex empty save for outpatient services and physicians? offices.Among those attending were Lozzi; Jennifer Migliore from U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton?s office; Lynnfield Selectmen Phillip Crawford and Christopher Barrett; and State Rep. Donald Wong of Saugus; along with former Lynn City Council president Timothy Phelan, School Committee member Richard Starbard and council candidate Brian LaPierre.Also present were Katerina Panagiotakis, who has helped spearhead the campaign, and head fundraiser Carl Phillips.?When news of this broke, initially it came as a shock to so many of us,” Phelan said. “But upon further research, we found out this was something that was planned.?I have a lot of family history at Union Hospital, and so I?m committed to making sure it stays open,” he said.Those who attended expressed sadness that Partners has chosen this plan.?Everyone here is engaged in the task at hand: saving our hospital,” Phillips said. “Not one of us here wants to see” Partners? plans come about, he said.Attendees took turns suggesting plans for immediate action against Partners, with Panagiotakis talking of the importance of community involvement and raising awareness of the situation among North Shore?s cities and towns.And Starbard called Partners? plans a matter of public safety.?A city of 90,000-plus people cannot go without a medical center,” he said.A rally in front of the Lynnfield Street facility has been scheduled for Aug. 3 from 4-6 p.m. All are welcome to attend.