By D.M. Livingston

Published Nov 13, 2025

Waterbury, CT -In a move that could reshape health care in our city for decades to come, UConn Health has officially stepped in to take over Waterbury Hospital — ending years of uncertainty and financial struggle under its previous owner, Prospect Medical Holdings.

The deal, announced this week, includes a $13 million purchase price and about $22 million in debt, bringing the total to about $35 million. More importantly, it marks a shift: Waterbury Hospital will now be part of Connecticut’s public, university-run health system, rather than a private, for-profit network.

From Private to Public

For years, Prospect Medical — a California-based company — owned Waterbury, Manchester Memorial, and Rockville General hospitals. But money issues , unpaid bills, and delayed improvements left Waterbury Hospital in the trash. Staff were worried about jobs, and the community worried about care.

Now, the University of Connecticut’s health branch — known as UConn Health — is taking the wheel. This means the hospital will become part of an academic medical network, like the UConn John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington, where doctors not only treat patients but also teach and conduct research.

A Quick History Lesson

UConn Health was created back in the 1960s as part of UConn’s mission to train doctors, dentists, and health professionals for the state. The UConn School of Medicine and School of Dental Medicine both opened in Farmington, and the John Dempsey Hospital followed in 1975.

Over the years, UConn Health became a leader in research, innovation, and education — but it mostly operated out of its Farmington campus. Now, by bringing Waterbury Hospital onto the team, UConn Health is expanding its reach and responsibility in the heart of Connecticut.

What Changes for Waterbury

The state is backing it with a five-year bond package of nearly $400 million to repair, upgrade, and modernize hospital facilities. That means new equipment, technology, and long-needed updates to the hospital’s aging infrastructure.

For hospital workers, the deal promises job stability. For patients, it should mean more consistent care, less drama, and a connection to a much larger medical system.

Why It Matters

This is about more than just who is the owner. It’s a shift from a for-profit hospital model to a public, university-led health system — one focused on teaching, research, and community care rather than investors and profit margins.

For Waterbury, it could mean stronger partnerships with local schools, health programs, and community organizations — especially as UConn Health looks to expand medical training.

The Bottom Line

Waterbury Hospital has been through tough times — ownership changes, financial struggles, and uncertainty. But this deal with UConn Health could be the prescription the city’s main hospital needed.

Now, as the paperwork settles and state funding rolls out, Waterbury might finally see its hospital return to what it should’ve always been: a place focused on people, not getting the bag

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