HPAE commends the Hudson County Board of Commissioners for approving a resolution calling for a law to mandate Safe Staffing ratios in NJ Hospitals

Hudson County Board Commissioners Jerry Walker and William O’Dea are joined by HPAE Director of Public Policy Bridget Devane and HPAE Local 5089 President Banita Herndon

Please attribute the following statement to HPAE President Debbie White, RN:

Members of HPAE, New Jersey’s largest union of healthcare workers, applauded the Hudson County Board of Commissioners as they unanimously approved a resolution today supporting establishing safe staffing standards in collective bargaining agreements, and proposed legislation and hereby urges the NJ Legislature to pass the “Patient Protection and Safe Staffing Act,” (S.2700/A.3683).

Unionized healthcare workers in Hudson County are bargaining for safe staffing ratios in their contracts, including HPAE Local 5030 at HMH Palisades Medical Center, HPAE Local 5186 at Christ Hospital and Local 5185 at Bayonne Medical Center.

“We are happy to see this resolution pass in Hudson County and in so many other counties across New Jersey,” said Debbie White, HPAE President.

“Healthcare in New Jersey is in crisis. This bill (S.2700/A.3683) when passed into law, will stop the mass exodus of healthcare workers out of our hospitals. It will also dramatically improve recruitment efforts, because nurses will always want to work where they will be less likely to be overwhelmed and stressed due to chronic understaffing.” White said.

“The Hudson County commissioners are also acknowledging what nurses have always asserted: that staffing ratios in hospitals are not only better for nurses, but also for patients. Research shows that indeed, safe staffing saves lives.”

View the Resolution here.

For more information, contact: Michael Allen, (646) 436-7556.