For Immediate Release
Contact: Mark Genovese, 518.782.9400, ext. 353
LATHAM, April 4, 2012 – Anyone who assaults a nurse should face the full penalty of the law - no matter what their status.
But now an attorney for the Kennedy family is trying to shift blame on the very people who were following hospital policy about newborn safety.
Hospitals, and their staff, are accountable for the safety and well-being of patients under their care.
Unfortunately, the fine nurses at Northern Westchester Hospital are being called into question for simply doing their job and following hospital policy.
What today’s interpretation by Mr. Kennedy's legal representative about the determination of Child Protection Services does not address is that anyone could kidnap a baby and not endanger it physically.
It does not address that hospital procedure was not followed by the father of the baby. And it does not address that nurses were assaulted.
Under recently passed law, Mr. Kennedy should be charged with a felony Class D for the assault of a nurse while on duty and The Nurses Association - and nurses statewide - urge the Westchester District Attorney to hold him accountable.
The situation could have been resolved in due time within the rules of the hospital.
The nurses’ attempts to stop Mr. Kennedy from leaving the hospital with his newborn son who had not been discharged, were met with physical violence.
And now, because of social status, this assault is being potentially swept under the carpet.
To offer your insights and continue the dialogue on this case, please visit thesafenurse.com.
The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 37,000 members, it is New York’s largest professional association and union for registered nurses. The association represents registered nurses, and some all-professional bargaining units, in New York and New Jersey. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.
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