The Minnesota Nurses Association is set to hold a press conference on Monday at 2 p.m. to speak out against proposed cuts to services at North Memorial hospitals and clinics. These cuts, announced by executives at North Memorial, would eliminate outpatient mental health programs and two neonatal intensive care units, resulting in over 100 employees losing their jobs.
MNA leaders are accusing North Memorial of prioritizing investments in facilities in wealthier communities. The association has stated that these changes will force 3,400 patients to find new healthcare providers. North Memorial has cited rising healthcare costs as the reason for the cuts, noting that 75% of their patients rely on government subsidies. Earlier this year, the Hennepin County Commission eliminated the hospital’s $22 million subsidy due to rising expenses at North Memorial and Hennepin Healthcare.
The MNA is calling on the Minnesota Legislature to intervene and stop these cuts from taking effect by the end of August. They are demanding that North Memorial reconsiders its decision and finds alternative solutions that do not harm patients or result in job losses for healthcare workers.
