For Immediate Release: September 22, 2021

Contact: Kristi Barnes | press@nysna.org | 646-853-4489

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Nurses and healthcare workers to picket today for quality patient care and respect

Plattsburgh, NY – After speaking out about Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH)’s failed restructuring and rampant understaffing which has put quality patient care at risk, nurses and healthcare workers plan to picket UVM-CVPH on Wednesday afternoon. Healthcare workers will circle the hospital with signs that call for safe staffing and a fair contract.

Frontline workers point to understaffing throughout the hospital as a serious issue that compromises the quality and timeliness of care. Recent staffing and service cuts at the hospital have left longer waits—and longer drives out of the community—for patients seeking care.

The healthcare heroes at CVPH have been working without a contract for more than a year. They are calling on the UVM-CVPH Administration to negotiate a fair contract that respects their work, their community, and the patients they care for.

WHAT: CVPH nurse and healthcare worker picket for patient care

WHERE: In front of CVPH, Medical Office Building entrance on Cornelia Street (at Draper Ave), Plattsburgh

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.

VISUALS: NYSNA nurses and healthcare workers will be decked out in union gear, carrying signs and chanting. Nurses will be available for interviews. Masking and social distancing will be strictly observed.

Victoria Davis-Courson, RN, said: "In all areas of the hospital, our staff is stretched to the breaking point. Quality patient care suffers when there are not enough nurses and frontline healthcare professionals to care for patients. We are coming together to demand safe staffing and a fair contract that protects patient care."

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The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) represents more than 42,000 members in New York State. We are New York’s largest union and professional association for registered nurses. For more information, visit nysna.org.