NYSNA endorses Eddington for Assembly

Brookhaven, October 17, 2008 — Assemblywoman Patricia Eddington (D/I/WF-Medford), joined by Congressman Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) and supporters in front of Brookhaven Memorial Hospital, accepted the New York State Nurses Association’s endorsement of her candidacy. Linda O’Brien, president of NYSNA, emphasized the Assemblywoman’s commitment to ensuring our families have access to quality, affordable healthcare while maintaining a healthy environment for nurses.

“The vital role nurses play in our health care system cannot be overstated,” said Assemblywoman Patricia Eddington. “Nurses are often overworked and overburdened, which is why I will continue fighting on the behalf of women and men who have selflessly worked to keep us healthy and put New York at the forefront of health care.”

The Assembly has consistently passed legislation to end mandatory overtime requirements for nurses, and this year it finally became law. Too many consecutive hours worked can create unsafe work environments and jeopardize quality of care. Ensuring we can turn the current nursing shortage around, improve patient care, and pass legislation improving safety in the workplace and setting minimum nurse to patient ratios are priorities for Assemblywoman Eddington. She also fought for more funding for children’s health care and voted for a budget this year that expanded Child Health Plus to make sure every child in New York State has access to health insurance.

“During her time in the Assembly, Ms. Eddington has been a strong supporter of health care-friendly legislation,” said Linda O’Brien, RN, president of the New York State Nurses Association and Suffolk County resident. “As a member of the Health, Higher Education and Labor Committees, she has consistently been an advocate for providing the highest quality patient care for the residents of NYS. We expect Assemblywoman Eddington will continue to promote improved working conditions for nurses and to champion quality patient care for everyone in NYS.”

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 36,000 members, it is the state's largest union and professional association for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

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