NJ nurses union decries hospital, state response to pandemic as unprepared

Lawmakers are hoping to boost oversight and coordination between hospitals and state health officials amid a lull for New Jersey in the COVID-19 pandemic, as a Monday report from the state’s nurses’ union flags what it says was a total lack of protection and preparation from hospitals and state officials during the height of the outbreak.

“Health care workers are contracting this disease and are not being told of exposures. They’re not being protected, they are forced to work in conditions where they’re unable to avoid contracting COVID-19,” Debbie White, president of the 14,000-member Health Professionals and Allied Employees union, said during a Monday press conference.

“In many instances, they themselves are spreading the disease, infecting family and the public,” she said.

The HPAE’s 26-page survey released Monday, titled “Exposed and At-Risk,” interviewed 1,100 anonymous member workers.    Read More