MEDIA ADVISORY
On March 14, North Memorial executives announced they would close the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), reduce inpatient mental health beds, and close all outpatient mental health services. North Memorial nurses oppose these cuts because they will reduce access to healthcare, increase wait times, and impact transportation for an already underserved community. These cuts present a risk for mothers giving birth at North Memorial; without a NICU team, any baby born at North Memorial that requires the NICU will have to be stabilized by non-specialized staff, separated from the mother, and transported to a different hospital.In a climate where finding a mental health provider is already very difficult statewide, eliminating outpatient mental health clinics puts more than 3,400 community members at risk of losing mental health services. As a result of these cuts, mental health patients with emergent needs will occupy non-mental health beds that would otherwise be used for patients with medical needs, or will be stuck in the emergency department.
In addition to the press conference, nurses are inviting community members, healthcare workers and other union members to join a community gathering to learn about the impact of these cuts and to organize together to oppose them.
North Memorial nurses Shiori Konda-Muhammad, RN, and Jeanette Iacono, RN, are available to speak with media upon request about this event and the cuts at the hospital.
NORTH MEMORIAL NURSES DENOUNCE SERVICE CUTS
WHEN: Monday, May 6, 2024
Press conference, 2:00 P.M.
Community gathering,1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
WHERE: Manor Park Picnic Pavillion, 3129 Abbott Ave N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
WHO: MNA nurses from North Memorial Hospital, other healthcare workers and union members, and community members
WHAT: Press conference and community gathering
WHY: To bring community awareness to these cuts, to denounce them, and to stand together opposed to them