New York's largest nurses union sues the state and hospitals over coronavirus precautions
A union representing 42,000 nurses is suing the state Health Department and two hospitals over their alleged lack of coronavirus preparedness and “dangerous” failure to ensure the RNs’ on-the-job safety during a pandemic that has ravaged New York.
In court papers filed Monday against the state in Manhattan Supreme Court, and against Montefiore Medical Center in Manhattan Federal Court and Westchester Medical Center in Westchester Supreme Court, the union alleges a lack of sufficient protective gear compromised the health of nurses, and their families and patients.
The legal documents also contain sworn statements about Montefiore’s alleged lack of readiness for the onslaught of COVID-19 patients.
“More than seven in 10 of our nurses are reporting exposure to COVID-19 and most are still untested,” NYSNA Executive Director Pat Kane said. “We cannot allow these dangerous practices to continue.”
Read more: https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-coronavirus-nysna-lawsuits-montefiore-westchester-20200420-vqjor3ifzjcq7lujrzpeypbxdi-story.html