Statement of HPAE President Debbie White on the Adenovirus outbreak at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation
On behalf of the 70 nurses represented by HPAE Local 5107 at Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, we would like to express our condolences for the families and loved ones of the children who have lost their lives due to an outbreak of a severe illness at the facility.
The nursing staff, both registered nurses and licensed professional nurses, have worked diligently to contain the spread of the disease under difficult circumstances. Nurses have reported a shortage of nursing staff which may lead to poor infection control practices that can put patient safety at risk.
Additionally, the unionized staff have urged administration to provide adequate supplies to protect patients from cross contamination including protective gowns, gloves and masks which can reduce patients’ exposure to the virus.
As the staff works to contain the spread of the virus they will also continue to advocate for stronger protocols and implementation of infection control policies.