• Updated: Feb. 12, 2021 7:07 p.m.
arrow Nurse at Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital goes on strike over safe staffing issues during the coronavirus pandemic, in New Rochelle. Mark Lennihan/AP/Shutterstock
When the first wave of COVID-19 hit Brooklyn Hospital Center, April Kehoe often found herself rushing between six different patients in a makeshift Intensive Care Unit far more than the one- or two- patient caseload typically considered safe for nurses in this setting.
The second surge has brought fewer hospitalizations, but Kehoe says the staffing shortages remain. She is still routinely assigned three or four intensive care patients at a time, a situation she says increases the risk of making medication errors or missing changes in a patient’s status.
Michael Oates
Special to the USA TODAY Network
COVID-19 is our economy’s biggest challenge. Patient care and vaccine distribution are part of the solution.
Throughout the pandemic, healthcare providers, including Montefiore Healthcare System, have been on the front lines putting patients first by providing unparalleled medical support. Providers have prioritized critically needed care, safeguarded patients by working in personal protection equipment and have bravely endured long, difficult hours. Hospitals face financial challenges that would ruin most global businesses, yet they persevere and do the right thing for residents.
The same cannot be said for United Healthcare. For months, Montefiore and United Healthcare have been in contract negotiations affecting the medical insurance of 60,000 Hudson Valley and Bronx patients. United Healthcare has not considered their well-being, instead prioritizing making money on the backs of these patients and providers.
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