For Immediate Release

Press Contact: Alex Catsoulis, alex@justicespeaks.us

Physicians Rally at Jacobi Medical Center to Highlight Critical Staffing Shortages in NYC Public Healthcare System

Doctors at Jacobi Medical Center Sound Alarm on Impact of Staffing Shortages on Patient Care, Demand Fair Contract from H+H

VIEW PHOTOS HERE

Bronx, New York – On Friday, June 14, attending physicians, supported by nurses, healthcare workers, and elected officials, gathered at Jacobi Medical Center, the largest hospital in the Bronx, to draw attention to the pressing issue of critical staffing shortages in New York City's public healthcare system. Represented by Doctors Council SEIU, these physicians are currently involved in a contentious contract dispute with NYC Health and Hospitals (H+H) and other affiliates, including NYU, Mount Sinai, and PAGNY.

The rally at Jacobi hospital aimed to shed light on the detrimental effects of staff shortages, which have resulted in increased patient wait times, rescheduling of major surgeries, and even the closure of the rheumatology department. As a consequence, patients are being forced to seek care outside of the borough, adding to their already burdensome healthcare journey. Attending physicians expressed deep concern over the lack of investment in the well-being of healthcare workers, who tirelessly care for the city's most vulnerable patients.

Leonidas Palaiodimos, Hospitalist at Jacobi Medical Center and member of Doctors Council SEIU, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "I have been working for the public health system of New York since 2020. Hospital medicine is the backbone of internal medicine, however, we've been having significant retention and recruitment problems. For example, the position of the director of the division of hospital medicine has been vacant since 2021. Therefore, it's important to get a fair and competitive contract so that we're able to recruit and retain our physicians in the public health system of New York. H+H physicians care for every New Yorker, regardless of insurance status, immigration status, financial status, and every other characteristic. We are the last resort for many New Yorkers."

The attending physicians, along with their supporters, are urging H+H hospitals and affiliated institutions to address the critical staffing shortages and negotiate a fair and competitive contract that prioritizes the well-being of healthcare workers. They believe that investing in the healthcare workforce is essential to ensure the delivery of high-quality care to all New York City patients, regardless of their circumstances.

“In my tenure, the staffing crisis has only worsened. Doctors are stretched thin, experiencing significant burnout, and patients are waiting longer for the care they need. We are advocating for a fair contract not just to retain doctors but to secure the future of HH as a thriving place for both new and seasoned physicians,” added Dr. Frances Quee, Pediatrician at Gotham Health, Belvis Clinic and President of Doctors Council SEIU

In an effort to amplify their message, similar events will be held at Elmhurst Hospital Center on Tuesday, June 18 and at South Brooklyn Health on Thursday, June 20. Elmhurst Hospital Center, known as Ground Zero for COVID patients during the pandemic, and South Brooklyn Health, one of the few hospitals in a healthcare desert, have also been significantly impacted by staffing shortages.

‍