Hundreds of nurses and health car providers plus local elected leaders are said to be taking part in what is being called an informational picket outside St. Charles Medical Center in Bend Monday afternoon. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) union says it’s meant to call attention to a staffing shortage at St. Charles and how that may affect care for the community.
Bend mayor Melanie Kebler, members of the Bend City Council, Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang and leaders from ONA are among those expected to speak.
RELATED: St. Charles seeking 6,000 people for early cancer detection blood test study
RELATED: St. Charles denies union claim it ‘spied’ on nurses
ONA says is seeking what it calls a fair contract “to improve our community’s health and safety.” The union claims St. Charles has struggled to fully staff due to salaries that make it difficult for caregivers to be able to afford to live in the communities they serve.
The union claims St. Charles has 200-300 unfilled nursing positions at the hospital in Bend.
The picket will happen from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of NE Neff Rd. and NE 27th Street. Those wishing to attend can park at the Church of the Nazarene.
