Boston - Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement in response to Steward Health Care CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre’s refusal to testify before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) after Senator Ed Markey and his colleagues voted to subpoena him to testify on September 12.

“Ralph de la Torre lived a life of luxury at the expense of workers and patients at his Steward hospitals. His refusal to testify before the Senate is shameful, but it follows his pattern of complete disregard for his responsibilities,” said Governor Healey. “The people of Massachusetts deserve answers. I’m grateful to Senators Markey and Warren for their continued efforts to hold Ralph de la Torre accountable.”

Last week, Governor Healey announced that agreements had been reached to transition ownership of five Steward hospitals in Massachusetts to new operators. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is also providing significant support and resources to those impacted by Steward’s closure on Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center.