Nurses’ efforts help to save Westchester Square Medical Center

BRONX, April 4, 2008 – Intensive lobbying and community outreach by registered nurses at New York Westchester Square Medical Center played an integral role in the saving the facility from being shut down.

Medical center officials announced Thursday that New York Presbyterian Hospital will take over the facility, which had been recommended for closure by the Berger Commission.

The nurses and staff from their union, the New York State Nurses Association, held numerous meetings during the past several months with local elected public officials – discussing the vital care the medical center provides and how its closing would severely affect the community.

“Nurses at "'The Square’ never gave up hope,” said Ronald Abrahall, RN, representative for the Nurses Association. “Despite the Berger Commission’s recommendation and an unknown future, the majority of nurses stayed on board because they believed the hospital would remain open to continue serving the community, as it has done for so many decades.”

None of the 148 Westchester Square RNs would lose their jobs under Presbyterian’s plan, which also calls for adding centers for asthma treatment and geriatric care.

The Nurses Association has been representing nurses at Westchester Square since 1961.

With more than 36,000 members, the New York State Nurses Association is the nation's oldest and largest state nurses’ association. NYSNA fosters high standards of nursing education, research, and practice; engages in legislative activity; and provides collective bargaining services to registered nurses. Its mission is to advance the profession of nursing and protect the public's health.

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