Insight responds to latest ONA demands, Hillside & Trumbull Regional

The Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) has released a letter of demands sent to the Trumbull County Commissioners regarding the future of Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital.

The Warren hospital was shuttered in March alongside Trumbull Regional Medical Center following its previous owner, Steward Healthcare's, bankruptcy proceedings. Since Insight Health System's acquisition of the two healthcare facilities, ONA has stated concerns with the group's management. In a Tuesday press release, ONA called on Insight, as well as local officials, to prioritize restoring Hillside "as a fully operational, community-centered hospital." 

"The workers who made Hillside what it was are ready to return — but only if there's a real, lasting commitment to patients and staff," Rick Lucas, president and executive director of ONA stated in the release.

The latest demands from ONA come nearly two months after Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced potential plans to reopen the two facilities. 

ONA declared Insight's refusal to address Hillside's future as "unacceptable."

ONA does not represent Trumbull Regional Medical Center but an official from the association told 21 News that they had heard rumors about Insight filing for Medicare and Medicaid on behalf of Trumbull Regional. 

Insight's spokesperson confirmed in an emailed statement to 21 News on Tuesday that the company has recently attained a Medicare provider number for Trumbull Regional and is "working diligently to attain the Hillside Medicare provider number" as well.

Insight stated that additional information will be available in the coming weeks as they coordinate with regulatory authorities, union leaders and government agencies.