Following today’s press event in Waterbury, UConn Health — Connecticut’s only public academic health system — announced it has submitted a bid to assume responsibility for guiding and sustaining Waterbury Hospital, marking a new era for health care in the region and across the state.
The announcement comes after months of collaboration between UConn Health, state leaders, and community stakeholders to ensure continuity of care, protect jobs, and uphold public accountability following Prospect Medical Holdings’ financial instability and bankruptcy filing.
“Today marks a new day for Waterbury Hospital — and a new era for public health care in Connecticut,” said John Driscoll, Chair of the UConn Health Board of Directors. “UConn Health’s leadership at Waterbury Hospital will ensure that care continues, jobs are protected, and the hospital operates with full public accountability. This is a rebirth for Waterbury Hospital and a reaffirmation of UConn Health’s public mission.”
At the press event, Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, CEO of UConn Health and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, emphasized UConn Health’s commitment to care continuity and long-term community strength.
“Your healthcare workforce and your hospital will continue caring for you without interruption — and with UConn Health, that care will be even more secure for the future,” said Agwunobi. “This is what a public health system is meant to do — step forward to serve communities when stability and access are at risk. We’re proud to be that partner for Waterbury.”
The transition secures the hospital’s operations, safeguards hundreds of jobs, and ensures that Waterbury residents will have continued access to high-quality, affordable care backed by the state’s public academic health system.
Governor Ned Lamont and Waterbury officials praised the collaboration as a significant step in preserving essential community health infrastructure while expanding UConn Health’s statewide role as a publicly accountable health care provider.
“This agreement represents a significant step toward protecting health care access for the people of Waterbury and the surrounding region,” said Lamont. ”Waterbury families deserve reliable, high-quality care close to home, and this partnership helps guarantee exactly that. UConn Health’s bid reflects our shared commitment to strengthening care in every corner of our state while preserving access, protecting jobs, and ensuring long-term stability for the patients, providers, and communities who rely on this hospital every day.”
“This agreement represents a vote of confidence in the people of Waterbury HEALTH — in our caregivers, our physicians, and the essential role we play in the region,” said Deborah Weymouth, President and Chief Executive Officer of Waterbury HEALTH. “It reinforces that what we do every day truly matters. We are optimistic that this partnership will bring long-term stability, growth, and opportunity for the Greater Waterbury community and beyond.”
The partnership reflects UConn Health’s broader strategy to strengthen health care delivery and expand access across Connecticut by building a sustainable, high-value public health system. UConn Health continues to explore additional collaborations with community hospitals, including Bristol Health and Day Kimball Health, as part of its long-term plan to meet the state’s growing demand for patient-centered care.
“Our mission is clear: to serve the needs of the community,” said Agwunobi. “This partnership shows what public medicine can achieve — care close to home, backed by the full strength of a leading academic health system.”
