Summary
Massachusetts State Auditor found that UMass Memorial Health Care did not adequately account for $6.2 million received in COVID relief grants. The funds were intended for pandemic recovery but were used for employee bonuses. The audit suggests that if used differently, these funds might have kept a maternity ward open.
Key Facts
- UMass Memorial Health Care received $6.2 million in COVID relief grants for pandemic recovery.
- The grants were provided by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS).
- The audit found that the funds were used for COVID bonuses to staff instead.
- Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio suggested the funds could have saved a closed maternity ward.
- The audit covered UMMHC activities from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2023.
- UMMH could not provide required documents to verify how the grant money was spent.
- The maternity center at HealthAlliance Clinton Hospital was closed due to staffing issues.
- The audit recommended maintaining records and reassessing maternity care needs.
