By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Greenfield, MA) Registered Nurses represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association from Baystate Franklin Medical Center issued a community petition signed by over 650 people to the Baystate Health Board Chair on Wednesday seeking respect, patient protection, and investment in local care. The petition speaks to the harsh conditions faced during the pandemic and the nurses who have left due to “burnout and moral injury.”
Through the pandemic, corporate profits have soared and have gone to the executives, while the hospital has dealt with issues in retention and recruitment. This is the first time nurses have negotiated a contract since the pandemic began. The community petition demands that the Baystate Health Board “value BFMC nurses, protect patients, and keep care local!”
The Massachusetts Nurses Association is planning a “Birthplace Baby Brigade” on the Friday before Mother’s Day, May 6th, to support the Franklin nurses in their negotiations.