Vote NO on MA Ballot Question #1
Kathy Schuler
Retired Chief Operating Officer, Chief Nursing Officer at Winchester Hospital
As a registered nurse with more than forty years of nursing experience, I feel compelled to help voters understand the devastating impact Massachusetts Ballot Question 1 will have on hospitals, patients and communities across the state.
The proposed law would mandate that all hospitals implement one-size-fits-all nurse to patient staffing ratios at all times. At Winchester Hospital, we are fortunate to have exceptional and highly skilled nurses who provide high quality care to our patients. In fact, we are the only community hospital in the state to be a four-time Magnet recognized organization for nursing excellence. Question 1 would take away our nurses’ decision making ability. Our nurses and doctors are best equipped to make decisions about patient care – not the government.
If approved by voters, Question 1 will cost one billion dollars statewide. These added costs will come at a time when hospitals across the state, especially community hospitals, are already operating in a challenging financial environment. Despite these added costs, there is no evidence that rigid staffing ratios improve the quality of care that patients receive.
The negative impact of Question 1 on emergency departments across the state will be significant. Wait times will dramatically increase causing delayed services throughout the emergency department and hospital.
My colleagues and I are committed to providing the high-quality care that people in our community need, right here, where they live and work. Please join me in advocating for our patients and communities and vote NO on Question 1 to keep high-quality local health care available for everyone in our community.
Senior Director, Medical Staff Services at Baystate Health, Inc. & 2019 President-Elect of NAMSS
6 年Thank God that question 1 was defeated by a 70% vote of no! This is great news for all patients!
President Medical Outcomes Management and Co-Principal Investigator Practice Research Network PRACnet?
6 年Vote “NO” Nurses already get a disproportionate share of the hospital budget and they are not the only care givers to patients.There are respiratory therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists, social workers, and many other professionals integral to patient care. All could make good cases that increasing their numbers will not only improve patient care but improve outcomes. Unless you want to see these professionals represent a smaller percentage of hospital staff, vote NO on question 1!
Senior Director, Medical Staff Services at Baystate Health, Inc. & 2019 President-Elect of NAMSS
6 年This bill is way too rigid especially compared to the California state law which is why it will create much damage in the state of Massachusetts!
Ambulatory OB/GYN RN / Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
6 年If the hospitals are hurting so badly for money and can not afford to staff their units appropriately, then why are the CEO’s making millions upon millions every year? Teachers, emts, firefighters all have staffing ratios and requirements... vote yes on question 1!