Nurses at a suburban Philadelphia hospital have begun a two-day walkout over staffing levels and other issues.
The Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals said the strike Sunday and Monday by 370 nurses and technical staff at Delaware County Memorial Hospital will be followed by a three-day lockout. Hospital officials say that's because staffing agencies require five days of pay to get temporary replacements.
The union says the hospital has increased the number of patients per nurse and there are shortages of basic equipment. [[415439423, C]]
"We are concerned about the safety of the patients in our hospital," said Angela Neopolitano, the DCMH Chapter President and 36-year registered nurse at the hospital. "Instead of spending money on nurses and techs from staffing agencies which are not known for attracting the best and brightest, Prospect should be investing in patient care."
Crozer-Keystone Health System said "licensed, certified, experienced and well-trained nurses" will be providing care during the walkout. Officials said nurses have been offered competitive wages and benefits, and nursing staff levels are checked "four times a day, each and every day, to ensure appropriate staffing."
"We are disappointed that the Union has taken this action," Crozer-Keystone Health System said in a statement. "We do not believe the threat of the strike was necessary or helpful to the bargaining process." [[238427591, C]]
