What is the hearing about and when is it?

A public hearing on May 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM about discontinuing maternity, neonatology (Methuen) and pediatric (Haverhill) services.

How can I participate in the hearing?

The notice states the hearing will be virtual by phone; join using the provided conference call details in the full notice.

Will the hearing decide the hospital service closures?

No; it is a non‑adjudicatory public forum for comments to inform the Department's consideration.

Public Hearing — Methuen

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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will hold a virtual public hearing on May 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM about Merrimack Health's plan to stop maternity and neonatology at Methuen Hospital and pediatric services at Haverhill Hospital. The hearing is a forum for public comment to inform the Department's review.

Key Takeaways

Hearing about discontinuing maternity, neonatology, and pediatric services
Virtual public hearing: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Comments will inform the Department of Public Health's decision
Hearing is a non‑adjudicatory public forum by phone

Published: May 16, 2026 · 5 days ago
Category: Public Hearing
City: Methuen

Research context

2 public hearing notices in Methuen (last 12 months)

What to do next

1
Mark the hearing date and join by phone
Attend the virtual hearing on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM using the conference call information provided in the full notice.
2
Prepare and submit comments
Prepare concise comments about how service changes would affect you or your community to present at the hearing or submit to the Department beforehand if allowed.
3
Contact the Department of Public Health
If you need hearing details or accommodation, contact the MA Department of Public Health using the contact information in the full notice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the hearing about and when is it?: A public hearing on May 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM about discontinuing maternity, neonatology (Methuen) and pediatric (Haverhill) services.
How can I participate in the hearing?: The notice states the hearing will be virtual by phone; join using the provided conference call details in the full notice.
Will the hearing decide the hospital service closures?: No; it is a non‑adjudicatory public forum for comments to inform the Department's consideration.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

105 CMR 130.122(D): A Massachusetts regulation requiring public notice and comment when certain hospital services are proposed to be discontinued.
non‑adjudicatory: A proceeding that gathers input but does not decide legal rights or issue final rulings.

Full Notice Text

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING
Merrimack Health Methuen Hospital
70 East Street, Methuen, MA 01844
Merrimack Health Haverhill Hospital
140 Lincoln Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (the “De-
partment”) has received notification of Merrimack Health's
intent to discontinue maternity and neonatology services
at Merrimack Health Methuen Campus in Methuen, MA
and pediatric service at Merrimack Health Haverhill Hos-
pital in Haverhill, MA.
The Department will conduct a hearing pursuant to 105
CMR 130.122(D) virtually by conference call in order to pro-
mote public access. This hearing will not be adjudicatory
in nature, but rather a public forum for the presentation of
any comments which may be relevant to the Department's
consideration of the proposed change.
The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 6:00
PM. Members of the public and other interested parties
may join the hearing by phone using the following infor-
m

Related Notices

Notice

DateCategoryCity

The Methuen Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on May 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM to consider a variance request for a two-story 16'x16' addition at 1 River Place that does not meet side and rear setback requirements.

May 11, 2026Public HearingMethuen