Media Advisory For: Monday, January 8th

Contact: Amanda Torres-Price | (917) 886-9311 | Amanda.torresprice@1199.org

Workers & supporters say these cuts may lead to short-staffing that could put patient care at risk

Who: 1199SEIU Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, colleagues and supporters.

What: Informational Picket opposing layoffs at Sapphire Nursing and Rehab at Goshen

Where: Sapphire Nursing and Rehab at Goshen, 46 Harriman Dr., Goshen, NY

When: Monday, January 8, 2017, 3:00-4:30PM

Goshen, NY -This month, Sapphire Nursing & Rehab at Goshen (formerly Elant at Goshen) is planning on laying off 10 of its Registered Nurses. Workers fear that this could lead to short staffing and place an undue burden on Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), which could affect their ability to provide the best quality of care to patients.

For-profit company Goshen Operations LLC recently took ownership of the former non-profit Elant at Goshen Nursing home, renaming it Sapphire Nursing & Rehab. According to documents approving the sale, Goshen Operations claimed that they anticipated “no significant changes to staffing levels” in taking over the home.

1199SEIU is demanding that management at Sapphire Nursing & Rehab at Goshen work with the union to find economic solutions that don’t involve laying off nurses, which could put patient care and safety at risk.

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1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest union in New York State and the largest healthcare union in the nation. We represent over 250,000 nurses and healthcare workers in New York and over 400,000 members throughout the East Coast. Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.