Today, the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) cancelled a contract with Big Apple Dialysis Management, LLC, a NYC-area for-profit dialysis chain seeking to acquire chronic dialysis facilities currently located inside four NYC public hospitals.
Currently, all four of the HHC clinics – at Harlem, Kings County, Lincoln and Metropolitan hospitals –are rated good to outstanding in terms of mortality outcomes. During public hearings regarding the issue, experts worried about the future of those ratings under Big Apple management.
"We all pulled together in this important matter: patients, community advocates, public health experts, elected leaders, doctors and other public sector unions," said Anne Bové, RN and President of NYNSA's HHC/Mayorals Executive Council. "This effort demonstrates that when we marshal the evidence and our forces come together we can win. This is a real victory for patients, and for the public hospital system."
NYSNA extended its thanks and gratitude to many, including the patients who spoke out in testimony and at rallies, as well as numerous politicians who remained committed over many months.
"I have fought the privatization of dialysis services from day one, because it puts profits before people and harms public employees," said NYC Public Advocate Letitia James. "I am grateful that the de Blasio Administration is doing the right thing and recognizing the flaws in this contract. We must strengthen our healthcare services and support our patients and healthcare providers."
"After relentless advocacy over the past year, patients and science won the day," said City Council Member and Health Committee Chair Corey Johnson. "I'm extremely gratified that the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation is terminating its agreement with Big Apple Dialysis, a for-profit company that was contracted to replace dialysis services currently provided by HHC. This was the right decision. HHC is the greatest public hospital system in the world, and outsourcing its dialysis services would not have been in the best interest of patients. I'm grateful ?for New York State Nurses Association's tireless efforts and for HHC President Dr. Ram Raju's leadership."
"I applaud the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) for finally ensuring that essential dialysis services at our public hospitals—including Harlem Hospital in my Senate District—will continue to be offered by nurses dedicated to public service and not heedlessly privatized into the hands of for-profit institutions," said State Senator Bill Perkins. "Patients must always come before profits in our health care system and this wise decision will ensure that our loved ones continue to receive the highest quality of care."
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dialysis-patients-win-quality-care-fight-at-nyc-public-hospitals-300087689.html
SOURCE New York State Nurses Association
