Compass Medical announces sudden, permanent closure

QUINCY - Compass Medical, which has offices and clinics south of Boston, shut down on Wednesday, leaving thousands of patients confused.

"It is with our deepest regret and great sadness to inform you of our imminent plan to close our practices," the company said in a statement on its website. 

Many patients discovered the practice would close when they received phone calls canceling their future appointments without explanation.

Lisa Downey said her cardiac tests were canceled. "OK why? And they didn't really answer right away," Downey said. "I think I asked three times and she said they'll maybe get in touch with you in a couple weeks to reschedule, and I'm like why are they canceling?"

Other patients struggled to get through to talk to someone. "When I call, it will go straight through to music, and it's been like that all morning," said Jenn Newcomb.

The company cited a "steady stream of challenges" for the closure. Just last year, Compass Medical lost a lawsuit and was ordered to pay more than $16 million to Steward Health Care.

"There is no good way to share this news," Compass said in the statement. "We are heartbroken and truly sorry as we know the unprecedented impact on our valued patients."

Patients say they've loved their experience, many have come for over 20 years, but the way this closure is being handled, they say, is shameful.

"The staff themselves didn't have a clue," Downey said. "But you know someone up above knew, and shame on them for messing with peoples' health and livelihood like that. I mean that's kind of serious. You are not just taking a piece of candy from a kid, you are dealing with people's health."

The Department of Public Health tells WBZ it has concerns about the abrupt closure and has reached out to the company for answers. Other health care practices have already offered to take on any staff let go by the closure.