WORCESSTER – A local union representing EMS professionals issued a statement on Monday, Nov. 17, warning of worsening staffing issues at the UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.
Over 100 International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP) Local 95 members working as EMS professionals at UMass warned that workers’ ability to provide adequate prehospital care may be compromised by the staffing shortages. They say they have reported to hospital management scenarios that include just one ALS ambulance available for emergency calls in Worcester.
Workers said they began expressing their concerns when management began focussing on the new in-patient North Pavilion Facility. The facility opened in January.
The medical center and the local 95 are negotiating an agreement related to the new facility and its impact on the EMS workforce. Part of those negotiations includes maintaining appropriate emergency coverage.
IAEP National Director Phil Petit said that if management cannot resolve the concerns raised, “then we have no choice but to cease the work that is currently being done by our paramedics at the North Pavilion.”
Image Courtesy of Facebook/ Worcester EMS Local 95
