Members Unite to Save Jackson Health System
Hundreds of members attended the "Save Jackson" rally on March 12th to protest the recovery plan presented to the PHT Board, which includes 4,400 layoffs and the closing of Jackson North and South.
The event, held outside Jackson Memorial Hospital's Alamo building, drew nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals who were outraged at the proposed plan that would devastate the public health system.
Holding signs that read "Save Jackson," "Patients First," and "Some Cuts Won't Heal," members listened as patients, health care workers and others spoke about the crucial services the public health system provides to the community.
During the rally, some members started calling Miami-Dade County commissioners, urging them to take action to save our great institution, which has built a 90-year reputation of healthcare excellence.
"We will maintain the quality of care within these walls," President Martha Baker, RN, told the crowds.
Meanwhile, new developments have occured this week as our union continues to meet with management to present efficiences:
- Our members presented several efficiencies to Jackson's Chief Operating Officer David Small that added up to more than $23 million. This is only our first batch and we have dozens more. This is money that can be saved this fiscal year!
- The Sibery Group, our healthcare operation turnaround experts, met with Jackson CEO Dr. Eneida Roldan, PHT Board Vice Chairman Angel Medina and other members of Jackson's management team. The Sibery Group has reviewed Jackson's current financial and operational situation and we already have several ideas on alternatives to the drastic cuts that have been proposed. We are coming up with solutions that put patients first!
Administrators, caregivers and the community must now work together in order to solve Jackson Health System's financial crisis, with the goal of making Jackson more efficient and financially stable without sacrificing the high quality of care for which the hospital is known.