St. Joseph Hospital, Eureka (Calif.) workers rallied Jan. 24 to protest recent layoffs and what they call a staffing crisis at the facility, according to a KIEM report.
The hospital laid off two radiology technician assistants last week, in addition to 25 layoffs St. Joseph Health-Humboldt County announced last September.
Employees, who are represented by the National Union of Healthcare Workers, said the lower staffing levels are leading to long waits in the emergency room and care delays, according to the report.
The hospital said in a statement obtained by KIEM: "We will always adapt to create the best organizational model that allows us to serve our community's changing needs. It is important that the community have confidence in health care delivery in Humboldt County. Rather than being influenced by union rhetoric, the public needs to be informed regarding the facts and ....positive changes we have enacted."
Union officials told the TV station they will continue to rally until they see change.
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