Updated Media Advisory

MNA Nurses Announce Job Losses, Care Losses from Hospital Closures

(St. Paul) - November 12, 2020 - Nurse members of the Minnesota Nurses Association will hold a press conference, Friday, November 13, 2020 to announce both job losses and hospital services that will disappear with the shutdown of St. Paul area hospitals. Hundreds of nurses' jobs will be affected by the closure of MHealth's Bethesda and St. Joseph's hospitals while dozens of nurses no longer work at Children's St. Paul hospital.

"To take away nurse positions and beds during a pandemic is foolish and just nonsense," said MNA president Mary C. Turner. Turner will speak Friday with a short list of affected nurses. They will describe how care for patients across the East Metro will drastically change over the next year to two years and what patients and their families will be forced to do for care moving forward.

Friday is the last day for Bethesda hospital to operate, and MHealth has its first permit hearing to convert Bethesda into a homeless shelter. COVID-19 patients from Bethesda have now been transferred to St. Joseph's hospital.


When:      Friday, November 13, at 10 a.m.
Where:     North side of Education Minnesota
                 41 Sherburne Ave St. Paul, MN 55102
Who:        MNA nurses concerned about hospital closures and job losses
What:       Press conference to announce effects of multiple hospital closures and
                 reduction of services
Why:        To demand accountability from MHealth Fairview for sustainable and
                 long-term solutions the serve the
                 St. Paul community

*Note:  The program will take place outside, where nurses and attendees will practice 6 feet of social distancing. Additionally, for reporters who are uncomfortable attending the event in person or who are themselves practicing self-quarantine measures, the event will be streaming here: https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaNurses/live

Journalists not wishing to attend in person may also sign in via the Zoom app.  To Join Zoom Meeting, click here or call number below:
https://zoom.us/j/94323170896?pwd=YUFDeVZUZkhudjIyYWFQSTBrWWVXZz09
 
Meeting ID: 943 2317 0896
Passcode: 426113
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