CLAREMONT — Residents are invited to share comments, concerns and questions about how health care has changed in the region during a public meeting hosted by the New Hampshire Healthcare Consumer Protection Advisory Commission, or HCPAC, in Claremont on Wednesday.
The meeting is scheduled to take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Claremont Savings Bank Community Center at 152 South Street. There is also a remote option. The link can be found at https://tinyurl.com/ttrpbebe.
The forum is particularly in response to the merger between Valley Regional Hospital, the sole hospital in Claremont, and Dartmouth Health, which was formalized last summer.
The commission asks that residents address the following questions: “Has your access to care changed since the Dartmouth Health partnership at Valley Regional Hospital? Are you worried about costs, closures, or quality of health care in the region? Did things get better or easier?”
Established in 2023, the commission holds all state proceeds received from settlements and judgements of health care mergers. It uses these proceeds “for the purpose of benefiting New Hampshire healthcare consumers,” according to its website.
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella will give opening statement, after which the floor will be open for public comment.
In addition to conversing with Formella, who enforces the state’s anti-trust laws, the meeting will inform the commission’s use of its funds, which are used to study, preserve and enhance competition, access and quality in the New Hampshire health care market.
Written comments or questions may be submitted in advance by emailing Christine.L.Rioux@doj.nh.gov.