To the Editor:
There is no one happier to see Bayonne Medical Center thrive than the unionized caregivers, and no one more responsible for the hospital’s success in these trying times, both prior to and since the bankruptcy than the HPAE.
Members fought to make sure we could continue to provide quality care to all of our patients. We fought to keep our hospital open when the financial situation was in a critical state because of poor management. The workers agreed to give back part of the salaries and earned benefits to keep our hospital open. When the new owners arrived, we agreed to freeze wages and benefits for two years and again last week to give up our increases to help the hospital stay open.
It is unfortunate that the newspapers never give any credit to the workers that stayed by our patients’ side during these difficult times. We advocated for support from our state and local politicians and formed the coalition to save BMC. We will continue to be there for our patients and expect our new owners to work with us to continue to serve our community.
We cannot afford any more layoffs or closure of any of the services that we provide. Perhaps BMC owners can hold an open community meeting, as required by law, and present their future plans and finances to all of us so that we can remain as a full service hospital.
DONNA BENJAMINA