Baystate Health Patients Report Scheduling Problems
Patients say they could not book appointments after Baystate Health switched to a new electronic records system.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Healthcare
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Baystate Health took over Mercy Medical Center on November 1, 2026, and implemented a new Oracle Health electronic records system the same weekend. Patients reported being unable to schedule appointments after the switch.
Why it matters
The timing of the records transition alongside the hospital takeover has left patients facing longer registration processes and extended wait times. Baystate Health says the combined changes are the source of the delays.
The transition took effect on November 1, 2026, the date Baystate Health took over Mercy Medical Center, and patients reported better appointment access in the week of November 10, 2026. No counts of affected patients or measured wait-time figures were provided in the source.
The players
Baystate Health
Baystate Health is a regional healthcare system based in Springfield, Massachusetts, that operates hospitals and clinics across western New England.
Oracle Health
Oracle Health is the health information technology division of Oracle Corporation, which develops electronic health records software used by hospitals and clinics nationwide.
Mercy Medical Center
Mercy Medical Center is a hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts, which Baystate Health took over on November 1, 2026.
The details
Baystate Health implemented a new Oracle Health electronic records system the same weekend it took over Mercy Medical Center. Baystate reports a longer registration process and extended wait times, and additional staffers, including people from Oracle, have been deployed to help with the transition.
Timeline
November 1, 2026: Baystate Health takes over Mercy Medical Center and implements the new Oracle Health records system.
November 2, 2026: Baystate CEO comments at a ceremony on handling both processes together.
Week of November 10, 2026: Patients report better access to appointments.
Healthcare Landscape
Baystate's pairing of its Mercy Medical Center takeover with an Oracle Health records migration follows a pattern seen in hospital consolidations across the country. Such combined transitions often create short-term disruption for patients while staff adjust to unfamiliar scheduling and registration systems.
Patients trying to book appointments with Baystate Health may need to allow for longer registration and wait times during the transition. Those who cannot schedule online or by phone may need to contact the hospital directly for assistance.
The takeaway
Patients should expect possible delays in scheduling and registration while Baystate Health completes its records transition. Confirming appointments in advance can help avoid missed visits during the adjustment period.
Further reading
Explore more local coverage in the Healthcare section for Springfield.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Masslive.
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