New Patient Room Designs Set Off Alarms

When the hospital recently held an open house to view the prototypes of the rooms in the new hospital, Local 392 leadership was alarmed to see so many problems that will put both patients and staff at risk, many of which had been brought to the OSH Replacement Project team’s attention previously. Union leaders had been asked about different components of the patient rooms, but it came as a surprise to find out that those discussions were considered as “labor having signed off” on them, especially when their suggestions were not put in place.

Local 392 leaders plan to present a list of concerns to the Labor Management Committee and work to develop a plan on how to prevent tragedies before they happen. The following is a partial list of concerns that they will be raising:

• Presence of electrical outlets in ABC units (commonly used to start fires)
• Fixtures such as shower heads and faucet handles that could be broken off or used in hanging attempts
• Light fixtures - large, made of plastic and easily reachable instead of recessed lighting
• Use of regular screws in several places which are easy to remove for self harm or use as a weapon
• Trim on floors, metal chairs, window framing material, and wood cabinets

If you had a chance to visit the prototypes and noticed other things, please contact Kerry Rechiro.