Health Professionals and Allied Employees/AFT/AFL-CIO
110 Kinderkamack Road
Emerson, NJ 07630
201-262-5005
www.hpae.org

For Immediate Release October 23, 2009
Contact: Jeanne Otersen

Statement of Ann Twomey, President of HPAE In Response to Bayonne Medical Center Plan to Withdraw Layoff of Staff

As a result of continued talks between HPAE, the union representing 850 nurses and health care workers, and the management of Bayonne Medical Center, plans by the hospital to layoff 35 staff have been put on hold for at least 60 days.

It is clear that BMC has recognized that a commitment to quality patient care demands adequate staffing, and we are pleased that BMC and HPAE are working together to avert any diminishment of the staff needed to provide quality care to our community.

We believe this step by BMC management should help reassure Bayonne residents that the experienced nurses and health care professionals represented by HPAE will continue to be by their bedside.

A contributing factor to the layoff situation is the continuing dispute between BMC and Horizon Blue Cross, over rates and payment for out-of-network care. Our patients and our caregivers are caught in the middle of this dispute. We urge the intervention of our state regulators to address the issue and provide a resolution that reimburses our community hospital fairly for the services we provide.

HPAE members who live and work in this community will continue to advocate for our patients, and for the continuation of all the healthcare services needed by this community.