Weymouth: Concern about possible hospital takeover

Talk of a potential takeover of South Shore Hospital by Partners HealthCare is raising concern among some Weymouth councilors.

The main question is what a takeover would mean for the town’s largest private employer.

Councilors say they were surprised by an announcement last week that said Partners, South Shore Hospital and Brigham and Women’s are discussing an expansion of their clinical affiliation.

The three organizations aren’t speaking publicly about the talks or whether they’re headed toward a merger.

However, a South Shore Hospital spokeswoman said Weymouth officials were notified before the announcement

They and residents say they’re concerned about layoffs and a decline in the quality of care if South Shore Hospital is taken over.