Connecticut Unveils New Era in Community Hospital Care

UConn Health acquires Waterbury Hospital, launching the UConn Health Community Network

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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State and UConn leaders celebrated the historical moment by cutting the ribbon for the new UConn Health Waterbury Hospital, which is now part of the UConn Health Community Network. The initiative aims to connect community-based care directly to the capabilities of Connecticut's public academic medical center, expanding access and excellence for communities statewide.

Why it matters

The acquisition of Waterbury Hospital by UConn Health represents a forward-looking investment in the future of healthcare access across Connecticut. By aligning community hospitals with academic medicine, the state is building a modern framework to better meet the evolving needs of patients.

The details

The UConn Health Community Network includes UConn Health Waterbury Hospital, the UConn Health Community Network Medical Group, and UConn Health Waterbury Health at Home. The model preserves each member's local identity while aiming to improve quality, expand access, and reduce the total cost of care.

  • On March 5, 2026, state and UConn leaders cut the ribbon for the opening of UConn Health Waterbury Hospital.

The players

Dr. Andrew Agwunobi

CEO of the UConn Health Community Network.

Governor Ned Lamont

The Governor of Connecticut who described the initiative as a forward-looking investment in the future of healthcare access across the state.

John Driscoll

Chair of the UConn Health Board of Directors.

Sean Scanlon

The Connecticut Comptroller who highlighted the significance of the model for the long-term evolution of healthcare delivery in the state.

Deborah Weymouth

President of UConn Health Waterbury Hospital.

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What they’re saying

“This is a defining moment for healthcare in Connecticut. We now have the opportunity to take the award -winning academic quality and service of UConn Health and share it with the wonderful employees, doctors and community of Waterbury.”

— Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, CEO of UConn Health Community Network (Mirage News)

“Connecticut is leading with innovation. The UConn Health Community Network reflects a proactive approach to strengthening community-based care by connecting it directly to the capabilities of our state's public academic medical center. What begins in Waterbury today, represents a new model designed to expand opportunity, access, and excellence for communities statewide.”

— Governor Ned Lamont (Mirage News)

“This reflects a bold step forward in how we think about healthcare in Connecticut. Today we celebrate the beginning of a new approach to community-based care. We move forward with clarity of purpose and shared commitment to serve our communities better together.”

— John Driscoll, Chair of the UConn Health Board of Directors (Mirage News)

“This partnership represents thoughtful leadership at a pivotal time for healthcare. By aligning community hospitals with academic medicine, Connecticut is building a modern framework that positions our healthcare system to meet the needs of patients today and into the future.”

— Sean Scanlon, Connecticut Comptroller (Mirage News)

“Hosting this celebration on our campus is deeply meaningful for our staff, physicians and the families we serve. Waterbury's legacy of care continues, and we are tremendously proud to have a strong partner who is deeply committed to our community and help lead this next chapter for healthcare.”

— Deborah Weymouth, President of UConn Health Waterbury Hospital (Mirage News)

What’s next

The UConn Health Community Network plans to grow thoughtfully over time to further improve quality, expand access, and reduce the total cost of care for communities across Connecticut.

The takeaway

By aligning Waterbury Hospital with UConn Health's academic medical expertise, Connecticut is pioneering a new model of community-based care that aims to enhance healthcare access, quality, and affordability for patients throughout the state.