The Massachusetts Nurses Association has raised concerns centered around staffing as the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the United States.
In a release sent out by the union representing more than 23,000 registered nurses in the state, the organization said there are concerns around the new virus and its potential impact on nurses.
Massachusetts had 41 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of Monday afternoon, including one in Worcester County.
“An outbreak like COVID-19 is something we have been concerned about for a long time,” said MNA President Donna Kelly-Williams, in a press release. “Too many hospitals in the state have been operating with bare bones staffing for years, refusing to provide the nurses necessary to meet established safe standards of care.”
In addition to raising concerns around staffing, the association highlighted the need for proper safety equipment and clear communication of policies and plans to respond to the virus. The organization’s release went on to say consolidation and closure of local healthcare locations is an additional concern when it comes to a medical issue like the coronavirus.Â
