Labor Updates (10/23/07)

Prince George’s Hospitals May Soon be Off Life Support, but Need Long-Term Solution: The bitter fight over funds for the Prince George’s hospitals, between Dimensions Healthcare System – which manages the hospital system – and Prince George’s County officials may be heading toward resolution. County officials said last week “they see no reason to continue withholding funds” for the hospital system, reported Vandana Sinha in Friday’s Washington Business Journal. The County’s decision to release the funds comes less than a month after Dimensions announced it would drop a $14 million lawsuit against the County for withholding funds. “The move from lawsuits and broken promises to fund the hospital system to talk of working together is a positive change,” Political Director of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, MD/DC Division Samuel Epps tells UNION CITY! “But the hospitals still need a long-term solution; a plan to keep the hospitals open and growing.  We’re eager to see leadership from the County Executive, the County Council and other parties who want excellent healthcare in Prince George’s County.” Click here for Sinha’s full story.