QUESTION
Can Health and Hospitals residents strike, and what would be the impact on care?
0:33:58
·
120 sec
Mitch Katz explains that city-employed residents cannot strike but others might, and highlights emergency measures to maintain care during a strike.
- City-employed residents of Health and Hospitals cannot strike, though those employed through affiliations could potentially do so.
- A strike is seen as unlikely by Katz, who believes it occurs when management is unresponsive, which he asserts will not be the case here.
- In the event of a strike, Katz mentions emergency measures like diversion, canceling elective surgeries, and having administrative physicians work clinically.
- The healthcare system is prepared for emergencies, as demonstrated by past crises management, including a strike at Elmhurst and patient relocation during a flood at Woodhall.
- Katz emphasizes the importance of reaching a fair settlement with residents to avoid a strike, showcasing a commitment to preparedness and favorable resolutions.
Mitch Katz
0:33:58
Has H and H assessed the impact on care for New Yorkers if H and H residents decide to go on a strike?
0:34:05
Well, they for the ones who were employed by the city, as you know, they cannot strike.
0:34:10
Mhmm.
0:34:11
The ones that are employed through affiliations, right, they could strike.
0:34:17
I certainly don't think that's what is going to happen, and I don't think that's the best outcome for a union strikes because the management is unresponsive.
0:34:28
Self.
0:34:28
And I don't think that's gonna be the case here.
Mercedes Narcisse
0:34:31
We cannot afford that either.
0:34:34
Has h and h assesses the impact?
0:34:37
You said this?
0:34:38
You've seen this impact already.
0:34:40
So if they go on track with H And H Hospital, particular for emergency room services, so what would you tell?
Mitch Katz
0:34:45
Right.
0:34:46
Well, I'll I'll I'll be working in that emergency room.
0:34:49
I can assure you of that.
0:34:51
So, I mean, we we we had to weather at Elmhurst strike Mhmm.
0:34:56
That occurred for residents that were not in our employments, and we kept the hospital open.
0:35:03
There are always emergency provisions for diversion, for canceling elective surgeries, for having administrative physicians work clinically, but none of these are good solutions.
0:35:18
But we are always prepared for a cry US.
0:35:22
Again, I think that's I think every health system, as you know, in your area, you know, when Woodhall flooded, we moved a 135 patients safely to other health and hospital facilities without anyone getting hurt.
0:35:36
Would I like to do that again?
0:35:38
No.
0:35:39
But but Paul, part of being a large healthcare system should be the ability to respond to an emergency.
0:35:46
I think in this case.
0:35:48
Right?
0:35:48
It's in everybody's interest to come to a fair settlement with the residents.
0:35:53
And so we because I believe it's the right thing.
0:35:57
I think we will achieve it.