Nurses working to maintain care levels at state hospitals
Local 1000 members at the Department of Mental Health (DMH) delivered nearly 1,000 signatures to Kathy Gaither, DMH Chief Deputy Director, demanding improved collaboration and communication as the department makes program and staff reductions."I'm highly concerned at the way DMH has kept its staff at arms-length throughout this process," said Kim Cowart, registered nurse and chair of Bargaining Unit 17. "DMH wants to make changes and slash the budget, but they won't be successful without the input of staff."
DMH wants to save $180 million in this budget year. In addition to the program and staff reductions, the department is making sweeping changes to its administration of care in state hospitals as it moves to create a new department.
Teachers, registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) have worked together for years to provide comprehensive care to hundreds of patients at state hospitals. Now DMH has announced layoffs of some 250 hospital staff. Employees are concerned these cuts and the overall transition to a new department will jeopardize the safety of staff and patients and compromise patient care.
"Worker input is essential," Cowart said. "DMH must step up and work with labor during the transition."
Local 1000 members provide care for more than 6,000 men and women residing in five state hospitals located throughout the state.
"Worker input is essential," Cowart said. "DMH must step up and work with labor during the transition."
Local 1000 members provide care for more than 6,000 men and women residing in five state hospitals located throughout the state.