The Oregon Nurses Association recently said it is "hopeful" a new cancer center in Redmond will be adequately staffed; the union previously expressed reservations in that regard. The facility is part of Bend, Ore.-based St. Charles Health System.
A 2023 contract agreement between the union and the health system has improved staffing issues and "enabled St. Charles to recruit and retain experienced nurses and raise patient care standards," according to a statement Oregon Nurses Association spokesperson Kevin Mealy shared with Becker's.
St. Charles Health broke ground on the cancer center June 26, according to a June 17 news release from the health system. The St. Charles Cancer Center in Redmond is expected to be nine times the size of St. Charles' current cancer care facilities in Redmond.
"We believe everyone in our community deserves access to high-quality, affordable healthcare close to home," Mr. Mealy said. "We're hopeful St. Charles can recruit the caregivers necessary to deliver on their promises to our community."