Local Hospitals Expect Increase In Patients Because Of "Stewart Issues"

Hospitals and health care providers on the Cape and Islands are dealing with a higher number of in-patient cases.

This is expected to increase, as the for-profit Steward Health Care is struggling with debt and financial difficulties.

The Dallas-based Steward operates 30 hospitals in the U.S., with seven in Massachusetts.

These include Morton Hospital in Taunton and St. Anne's Hospital in Fall River.

Governor Maura Healey has called on Steward to make "an orderly transition" out of the state.

Community hospital officials say while busy, they feel ready to adjust to increasing demand and volume.

(Photo by PASCAL POCHARD-CASABIANCA/AFP via Getty Images)