Some nurses are accusing Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital of not following COVID-19 safety protocols and failing to protect its staff.
Kathy Santoiemma, a registered nurse at the hospital says, the staff is concerned about not having enough personal protective equipment and not enough manpower for what is expected to be a new surge in cases.
The allegations led the New York State Nurses Association to file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The complaint details what the union calls “health and safety violations” at the hospital, including the failure to provide nurses with properly fitted respirators and the failure to provide enough face protection and PPE.
The complaint also charges that Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital is not following proper standards of infection control by mixing COVID-19 patients into the general population, exposing front-line workers and patients to added health risks.
Nursing staff say the situation is so critical that they are planning a two-day walkout on Tuesday, unless a deal that protects them is struck on Monday.
The nurse’s union is currently in contract negotiations with the hospital. In a statement, the hospital says it follows local, state and national guidelines for patients and staff.
According to the statement, "The real risk to our community comes from the NYSNA leadership and their threatened strike."
The strike is set for 7 a.m. Tuesday.