RNs Hail Victory In Campaign To Stop Sutter Health From Closing Santa Rosa Hospital

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 12 Mar 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Nurses and Patients Led Two-year Campaign to Save Facility - Awaiting Final Details from Sutter

Nurses at Sutter Medical Center Santa Rosa hailed the victory of their campaign to stop Sutter Health from closing the facility, a former county hospital that is essential to the public health of Sonoma County.

Sutter agreed in 1996 to a 20-year lease to run the facility, but in recent years has attempted to walk away from its obligations. Their attempts were met with a broad-based campaign led by nurses and patients to keep the hospital open. Actions included pickets, testimony by CNA President Deborah Burger, RN before the County Board of Supervisors, a bake sale to help the facility stay open, and letter to the editor and phone call campaigns.

"RNs at the facility are delighted that Sutter Santa Rosa is staying open. We love this hospital. It has come to be our family, and we know this is the best thing for our patients, our community, and the public health of Santa Rosa. We are gratified because we worked so hard to make Sutter keep its word and stay at the hospital. However, our optimism remains cautious as we await final word from Sutter on their plans and its details," said Mary O'Brien, an RN at the facility.

California Nurses Association