Nurses union, hospitals renew battle (At issue is bill that would establish staffing ratios)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.patriotledger.com/business/x1659495213/Nurses-union-hospitals-renew-battle

he Patriot Ledger
Posted Nov 04, 2009 @ 06:43 AM
BOSTON —

Hospital executives and the state’s biggest nurses union resumed their ongoing battle over legislation that would require the state to set minimum nurse-patient staffing ratios.

Hospital managers argued on Tuesday that giving the state Department of Public Health the power to set staffing ratios would hamper the hospitals’ flexibility in delivering care. The Canton-based Massachusetts Nurses Association, meanwhile, argued the bill would reduce the errors that occur at hospitals.

That goal is the primary reason that John McCormack of Pembroke has thrown his support behind the bill. The state trooper has been an advocate for improved standards of care since his 13-month-old daughter Taylor died in 2000 at Children’s Hospital in Boston.

McCormack was among several people who testified for the MNA’s bill on Tuesday before the state Legislature’s public health committee.

“I live with the pain and suffering every day,” McCormack said. “I don’t want another family to experience what I went through. Studies after studies (show) that if you set safe staffing ratios, its saves lives. To me, it’s a no-brainer.”

McCormack said the bill would reduce health care costs because fewer complications would occur in hospitals.

FULL story at link.