WARREN — Insight Health System withheld scheduled payments Friday morning to its Trumbull County employees, including those at its Warren and Howland facilities.

Union representatives with SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH and Ohio Nurses Association confirmed the held-back funds.

While a request for comment from Insight went unanswered as of press time, an email attributed to Dr. Jawad Shah cited “unforeseen circumstances” for the delay. The newspaper verified the email through three separate sources.

Shah, the health system’s founder and CEO, said, “We are working diligently to resolve the issue, and we expect the payment to be processed soon.”

The email stated that checks sent through the U.S. mail already had been voided.

All services at Insight locations, including Insight Hospital and Medical Center at Trumbull, Warren, and Insight Rehabilitation Hospital Hillside, Howland, were temporarily suspended at 3 p.m. Thursday. The Trumbull County Dispatch Center said Insight notified the county’s 911 center at 2:23 p.m. Thursday that it would be closed until further notice.

The Ohio Nurses Association said in a news release Friday that Insight Hillside has been emptied of its patients. It is unknown if Insight Trumbull has any remaining patients.

Mercy Health, whose Valley operations include St. Joseph Warren Hospital, 667 Eastland Ave. SE., said it plans to fill the gap created by Insight’s absence.

Union leaders said they are seeking answers, wanting owed payment and issuing demands.

“Our members have received no formal layoff notices, no clear direction about their employment status, and no communication from Insight,” the nurses association said.

“Instead, they are left scrambling for answers — learning critical information through news reports and speculation rather than from their employer. Adding to the chaos, payroll was not processed on time today, and Insight has yet to address or explain the delay.”

However, a group message sent Friday evening to employees stated:

“Dear Team, We regret to inform you that, effective immediately, you are being placed on furlough due to current operational circumstances. A formal letter detailing the specifics of your furlough has been sent to your address, and you should be receiving it shortly. Please be assured that as we begin to reopen operations, we will make every effort to bring back employees as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this difficult time. Additionally, please ensure this message is forwarded to your non-union staff members as well. Thank you for your continued commitment to our organization.”

De Anna Fuchilla, chair of the nurses association Hillside Local Unit, said Hillside is a community lifeline.

“Insight has had every opportunity to handle this transition responsibly, but instead, they’ve abandoned patients and health care workers alike,” she said. “Workers deserve answers, and patients deserve better than being rushed out the door.”

In addition to following the collective bargaining agreement, the nurses association called on Insight to:

• Give immediate written layoff notices and confirmation that employees will be paid during the notice period.

• Engage in timely and full payroll processing.

• Provide health care coverage for all employees during the layoff period.

• Enter into immediate bargaining with the nurses association over the layoff’s impact.

• Commit to reopening Hillside and Trumbull as soon as possible, with a plan to restore services.

• Deliver a full explanation of how Insight will regain the trust of the community, its patients and its workforce.

Warren Mayor Doug Franklin said he is engaging state leaders and Insight officials to resolve the matter.

“I’ve talked to a policy director from Gov. Mike DeWine’s office who has agreed to assist in any way they legally can,” he said.

The mayor also called for the release of funds owed to employees.

“I can only say how important it is for (former owner Steward Health) to release all of these funds so those workers can be compensated for the work they’ve done,” Franklin said. “As mayor, it can’t be emphasized enough — we need our hospitals’ doors reopened as quickly as possible.”

In a news release Friday, Mercy Health said it wants to close the gap and ease the loss created by Insight’s absence.

“We stand ready to assist all those affected by these changes and provide a seamless transition, ensuring no one is left without the high-quality care they deserve,” a Mercy Health spokesperson said.

“With three acute care hospitals in the region, we are able to effectively manage patient volumes, ensuring that no single facility becomes overwhelmed and that every patient receives the care they need, when they need it.”

Mercy Health said it already has expanded its presence in the Valley with last year’s opening of Mercy Health Rehabilitation Hospital to accompany its three acute care hospitals and planned opening of a 72-bed Mercy Health Behavioral Hospital.

“We are committed to offering a smooth continuum of care to area patients and a secure place to work for those who may be transitioning,” Mercy Health said. “We have increased staffing levels to meet rising demand and are actively onboarding new employees, strengthening our ability to serve the community while providing continued employment opportunities for local health care professionals.

Mercy Health has scheduled hiring sessions April 2 and April 9 for affected workers.

Reporter Chris McBride contributed to the story.

In case of an emergency

Those requiring emergency medical attention may visit Mercy Health-St. Joseph Warren Hospital, 667 Eastland Ave. SE.

Job assistance …

Mercy Health and OhioMeansJobs-Trumbull County will present events to assist Insight Health System employees who have lost their jobs following the closure of Insight properties in Trumbull County.

On Sunday and April 9, Mercy Health will host three hiring events. Participants are asked to bring a resume. The times and locations of the sessions are:

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, private dining rooms.

• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday – St. Joseph Warren Hospital, Warren Room.

• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 9 – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, private dining rooms.

On April 4, OhioMeansJobs-Trumbull County has scheduled a “Rapid Response Event” in the campus auditorium of Kent State University at Trumbull, 4314 Mahoning Ave. NW, Champion.

• Employees with last names starting with A through K will be serviced at 9 a.m. and last names L to Z at 11 a.m. A makeup session is scheduled for 1 p.m.

For additional information, call 330-675-2179.