Nurses, Allies Demand Swift Action on Patient Protection Act

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

“Every day this bill is delayed puts more patients at risk,” said John Estenor, “it’s quite literally a matter of life and death.” Estenor, an operating room nurse at Washington Hospital Center (WHC), spoke at Thursday morning’s rally by area nurses supporting the Patient Protection Act, which will mandate minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios. Stormy weather drove the rally inside as more than 100 nurses and their supporters crowded into a hearing room at the Wilson Building, where emotions ran high. Tina Trowell’s story of her mother’s agonizing death at WHC drew gasps and tears from many. “She died in pain because of the (nursing shortage) crisis in DC hospitals and I don’t want any others to suffer as my mother did,” Trowell said, “every patient deserves to live – and die – in dignity.” The nurses got strong support from red-shirted contingents of fire fighters (IAFF 36) and sheet metal workers (SMW 100), as well as DC Jobs with Justice, the Metro Washington Council and others. “Thirty eight organizations have now signed on in support of this bill,” reported NNU’s Sandra Falwell, who also serves as the Metro Council’s 3^rd Vice-President. Metro Council President Jos Williams and Plymouth Congregational’s Rev. Graylan Hagler urged the DC City Council to move the PPA out of committee, where it’s been languishing since being introduced earlier this year. Otherwise, “we’ll be in the streets,” promised Williams. “We brought them in (to office),” thundered Hagler, “and we can take them out!” The nurses and their allies then spread out through the Wilson building to lobby Council members.
- report/photos by Chris Garlock