WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement on the proposed sale of Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury:

Today’s news about the sale of Saint Mary’s Hospital is just the latest example of the potential major changes coming to Connecticut’s hospitals. It may be that a for-profit operator is the only alternative to keep both of the Waterbury hospitals open, but we need be aware that converting to a for-profit hospital is not without risks to the community. While the deals may be the best solution for Waterbury, we need to ensure that they don’t lead to a slippery slope that fundamentally changes health care delivery in Connecticut. I trust that the federal and state regulators will take a hard look at whether this deal makes sense for the citizens of Waterbury and the state of Connecticut.