09.21.2005

ROMNEY FOOTDRAGGING ON CONTRACT HAS NEGATIVE EFFECT ON PATIENTS IN STATE FACILITIES

New Study Shows Strong Support for RNs/Health Professionals

Registered nurses and other healthcare professionals who are employed by the Commonwealth are launching a campaign to expose the misplaced priorities of the Romney/Healey administration, who are neglecting and harming the state’s most vulnerable, as they focus on their personal political aspirations for higher office.

Caregivers from facilities throughout the state are holding a State House press conference on Sept. 22 at 11:30 am to talk about their patients, their workplaces and the negative effects of not being able to retain and recruit RNs and other health professionals needed to care for the state’s most needy residents. It is now well over 800 days since the 1,800 state-employed nurses and healthcare professionals have been without a labor contract. The event will feature the release of a new state-wide poll addressing the public’s support for the work they do and the services they provide.

WHO: BILL FYFE, PRESIDENT OF MNA UNIT 7, REPRESENTING 1,800 NURSES AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

Also participating will be front-line professionals from a variety of state operated facilities, including Worcester State Hospital, Tewksbury State Hospital, Taunton State Hospital, Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers’ Homes

WHEN: THURSDAY, SEPT. 22, 2005

11:30 a.m.

WHERE: NURSES HALL, STATE HOUSE

###