Workers from San Francisco-based Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center rallied this week, alleging that short staffing has hurt employees and patients, according to a KNTV report.
The workers are members of Service Employees International Union Local 1021. They allege a staffing shortage at the skilled nursing and rehabilitation center doesn't allow workers to adequately address patients' needs and causes patients to get aggravated with staff.
"Our patients and their families expect to get better when they come to Laguna Honda Hospital," Theresa Rutherford, certified nursing assistant and SEIU Local 1021's vice president of representation, told KNTV. "Instead they find their recovery put in jeopardy because of the short staffing."
Rachael Kagan, a spokesperson for Laguna Honda's owner, the San Francisco Public Health Department, disagreed with the union's claims but told the TV station the department respects the union's right to talk about their perspective.
"The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority, and Laguna Honda is no exception," she said.
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