Attention UMMMC Nurses. As you know, UMass has announced yet another layoff of staff. While we await official notice of exactly who will be impacted, we believe any layoff at this time is both irresponsible and dangerous for our patients. These developments underscore the need for the safer staffing ratios we have proposed in our contract. We must also do what we can to inform the public of the hazards these changes create for our patients. Below is a link to the story in today’s Worcester Telegram that features a strong quote from UMass Memorial campus co-chair Colleen Wolfe. Here is Colleen’s quote:
The Massachusetts Nurses Association, which represents about 2,000 nurses in two bargaining units in Worcester, said the cuts would harm patient care and come at the start of the flu season.
“We’re past critical and now we have the start of influenza coming,” said Colleen E. Wolfe, a registered nurse and co-chairwoman of the MNA bargaining unit for the Memorial and Hahnemann campuses of UMass Memorial. She said two rounds of job cuts over the past two years have strained the system.
“It’s all hands on deck,” she said. “We need them to stop feeling nurses are expendable.”
We encourage nurses to keep this issue in the public eye by writing and submitting letters to the editor to the Telegram. In general terms, use this opportunity to explain the importance of what you do for your patients, and how these cutbacks and poor staffing prevent you from providing the care your patients deserve. Keep your letters to 250 words, be sure to include your name, address and phone number, and be careful not to mention specific patients or situations. As soon as we know more specifics about the layoff, we will be sure to let you know. In the meantime, stick together, and support each other through these difficult times. And remember, nurses united, cannot be defeated.
Here is the link at the Telegram to send your letters. letters@telegram.com
If you need help with your letter, feel free to email a draft to David Schildmeier at MNA at dschildmeier@mnarn.org.
Here is the link to the story that appeared in Today’s Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
“
