For Immediate Release: March 28, 2023
Contact: Eliza M. Bates, eliza.bates@nysna.org, press@nysna.org, 646-285-8491

NYSNA Statement on Lockdown at Albany Medical Center that Took Place Monday Evening

Albany, N.Y.—The New York State Nurses Association released the following statement in the wake of the Monday evening lockdown at Albany Medical Center:

The New York State Nurses Association is deeply disturbed by the safety breach that took place last night at Albany Medical Center. For months, Albany Medical Center nurses have proposed preventative measures to mitigate and protect frontline healthcare professionals from workplace violence.

Unfortunately, management has failed to seriously consider our proposals for active shooter drills, metal detectors, additional security in the Emergency Department, and more. As the largest employer in the county and the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, Albany Medical Center has a responsibility to act proactively and do more to protect its staff, who deserve to work in an environment without fear of violence.

We call on management at Albany Medical Center to listen to frontline nurses and implement improved safety measures, and we demand that management immediately meet with NYSNA to address our concerns.