PG Hospital Workers Welcome State/County Agreement

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)
Workers at Prince George’s hospitals welcomed Thursday’s announcement of a state/county agreement to provide funding and a structure to work toward a long-term solution for the financially troubled hospitals. “This agreement does give me hope for the future of the hospitals,” said Lorita Waltz, a nurse at Laurel Regional Hospital.  “Now we need the Maryland General Assembly to support the Prince George’s hospitals and give my co-workers and I the opportunity to continue the work that we love so much -- caring for our patients.”  Added John Reid, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU, “This is a step forward for the dedicated workers at Prince George’s hospitals who have kept faith with the hospitals through the tough times.” The agreement was announced at a noon press conference by Governor Martin O’Malley, Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson and Mr. Reid.  The agreement provides funding for two years for the hospital system along with a seven-member commission to be appointed by the governor, the county executive, and the Maryland General Assembly to conduct a search process for a new owner/ operator for the hospitals.