Billion-Dollar Hospital Group Accused of Prioritizing Profits Over Patients at Medford Medical Center

MEDFORD, Ore. — Prioritizing profits over patients is how the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) describes the billion-dollar Providence medical corporation’s attitude to deadlocked negotiations for more money and improved working conditions at its Medford Medical Center.

Compensation Package Rejected

ONA met with hospital management on Tuesday for another round of negotiations which rapidly deteriorated into a stalemate when the compensation package offered to nursing staff was even less attractive than the one rejected in May.

ONA criticized the approach adopted by the hospital group, saying its actions display ‘…a lack of commitment to respecting’ nursing staff at the Providence Medford Medical Center. Rejecting the package offered to the nurses, ONA points out that it is significantly lower than pay scales at the Rogue Regional Medical Center and other regional hospitals.

Accusing the $29 billion Providence corporation of prioritizing profits over patients, ONA says it has failed to address critical staffing challenges, adding to concerns about staffing stability and the quality of patient care at the facility.

Nurses Have Been Working Without Contracts for Months

The Medford nurses who have been working without a contract for many months say their issues are not only about money but are also about Providence’s ability to maintain an effective working environment.

However, the nurses do point out that more money and stable working conditions are available at competing hospitals.

The Medford nursing staff plans to hold an emergency meeting this coming week to plan a way forward now that negotiations have again deadlocked. In the past, nurses have taken to the picket line to persuade Providence management to reach an offer suitable to both sides. However, that action also failed to elicit an acceptable agreement.

ONA points out that a fair and competitive offer will end to the current situation.

ONA fights for equitable healthcare systems and improved working conditions for its 20,000-plus healthcare professionals and nurses in Oregon.