Nurses at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, members of the United Nurses & Allied Professionals, voted overwhelmingly today to approve a new contract agreement.  The vote was 200 to 3.

“We set two goals for ourselves in this round of negotiations: to improve staffing and to secure a competitive wage and benefit package,” said Lynn Blais, a Registered Nurse and President of the Local.  “With the unwavering support of our membership and allies, we were able to achieve both.”

During the protacted negotiations, nurses publicly voiced concerns that they had filed over 400 complaints about potentially unsafe staffing situations at Fatima Hospital in recent years -- and that the Hospital had responded to none of them.  In addition, the UNAP noted that Fatima frequently failed to even staff at the levels that they have publicly reported to the RI Department of Health. 

Studies have repeatedly shown that inadequate nurse-to-patient staffing levels increase the risk of injury, and even death, to patients.

Nurses at Fatima Hospital, a proud Catholic institution, take pride in the compassionate, quality care that they give to their patients.  But the nurses have lost faith in the the hospital's administration.  It seems that Bishop Tobin and Fatima's Board of Director are drifting away from their primary mission to provide quality care.

CLICK HERE to send an email letter to John Fogarty, Fatima Hospital President & CEO, and Bishop Thomas Tobin, Fatima Hospital Chairman of the Board and Treasurer to urge them to show good faith in responding to the concerns of their nurses, and to practice what they preach!

Over the past 3 1/2 years, nurses have filed over 400 complaints about potentially unsafe staffing situations at Fatima Hospital -- over 100 in the past six months alone!  Fatima does not even staff at the levels that they have publicly reported to the RI Department of Health.

Landmark Medical Center has served the people of Northern Rhode Island since 1873 when it was founded as Woonsocket Hospital “for the relief, cure and general care of the sick.”

Landmark Medical Center has the third busiest emergency room in the State.  Landmark provides essential medical services to the community and has been recognized by the RI Department of Health as one of the most cost-effective hospitals in Rhode Island.  Landmark also serves as an economic engine to northern Rhode Island, providing good jobs to more than 1,000 employees.

Yet, largely because of inadequate payment for the services it provides, Landmark Medical Center is in dire financial condition.  As a result, the State has assigned a “Special Master” to help develop a plan for Landmark’s survival, and the hospital’s fate now rests with our State officials.

For the sake of its patients, employees, and the entire community, Landmark must remain a full-service, non-profit, locally-controlled community hospital that is responsive to the needs of the people of northern Rhode Island.

The UNAP will host its bi-annual Professional Issues Conference on Tuesday, June 10 from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM at the RI Convention Center.  For more information, click here.