A contentious meeting Thursday night as a proposal

NEWPORT, Vt. (WCAX) – A contentious meeting Thursday night as a proposal to reimagine a Northeast Kingdom hospital drew concerns from dozens of community members. Now, health care leaders are working to find ways to cut costs and keep facilities afloat. An angry crowd of more than 200 filled up and spilled over the Gateway Center in Newport Thursday night. The hospital told the crowd that they would not be closing. They condemned the report, the data within it and promised they already had their finances straight without having implemented the report’s recommendations. “Keeping North Country Hospital open will mean sacrifices, and we will need your support,” said Louise Bonvechio, the chair of the hospital board.