PROVIDENCE OREGON – On Friday, June 23, Oregon Nurses Association accused Providence of breaking Oregon law, when replacement workers were hired to care for patients during the ONA strikes at Providence Portland Medical Center, Providence Seaside Hospital, and Providence Home Health and Providence Hospice.
Jennifer Gentry, RN, chief nursing officer for Providence Central Division, shared this statement with reporters:
“I find it incredibly disappointing to hear that ONA expects Providence to close their doors to patients while caregivers strike. The negative impact to the health and well-being to the people of Oregon would be tremendous.
“As a nurse, I struggle to understand how such an idea can even be considered.
“It is standard practice across the U.S. to bring in a replacement workforce while our caregivers are on strike, to continue caring for patients.
“Over the last five days, we’ve cared for:
More than 250 patients a day in our Providence Portland and Providence Seaside hospitals.
150 patients a day in the two hospitals’ emergency departments.
Home health has made 2,000 visits to patients.
Hospice has made 750 patient visits.
“Our singular focus is on continuing to care for our patients.
“With all due respect to ONA, I believe it’s in the best interests of the people of the state to keep our hospitals open, to continue caring for patients.”
