Nurses are frustrated after learning how much money UPMC spent to buy Ohio-based hospitals.
On Wednesday, UPMC finalized the integration of Trinity Health System. The transaction includes Trinity West and Trinity East in Steubenville, Trinity Twin City Medical Center in Dennison, and Trinity St. Clairsville Neighborhood Hospital in St. Clairsville, plus all associated clinics and care sites.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> UPMC finalizes integration of Ohio-based Trinity Health System
SEIU Healthcare, which represents UPMC Magee nurses, sent a document provided by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost saying UPMC spent $120 million in the deal.
UPMC nurses have been calling for extra staffing and supplements to help cover the rising cost of living. A spokesperson for the union expresses extreme disappointment at the amount of money spent on the new hospitals, which they feel could have been spent to help current employees.
Their full statement from Julie Nuss, a registered nurse in the Mother-Baby Unit, on behalf of Magee Nurses and Advanced Practitioners United with SEIU Healthcare PA, said:
“The revelation that UPMC executives spent $120 million to buy an Ohio healthcare corporation is really disappointing, because they should be investing their massive profits in evidence-based staffing standards and retention of experienced nurses, so we can ensure our patients receive the highest quality care right here in Pittsburgh.
“Allegheny County is facing a growing infant and maternal health crisis, and as the preeminent family healthcare provider, UPMC has an urgent moral responsibility to lead in solving these deep problems. To help address this crisis, we presented our proposals for national staffing standards and professional compensation and benefits in April.
“Instead of resolving these staffing issues, UPMC has been spending precious resources on an expensive campaign aimed at discouraging us from advocating for our patients and our profession.
“While nurses are struggling with overwhelming patient loads, the loss of experienced nurses and the rising cost of living, UPMC made total profits of over $443 million* in just the first half of this year. We’ve been alarmed to watch UPMC spend lavishly on corporate expansion, a private jet that flies to many locales where they don’t have any hospitals, endless branding, and compensation of millions of dollars** each to top executives.
“It’s time for UPMC to listen to nurses, our patients and our community, and start devoting their immense resources to nurses and our patients here at home.”
In June, UPMC also announced 200 layoffs of current employees and the elimination of 300 open positions.
Channel 11 has reached out to UPMC for a statement and is waiting to hear back.
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