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Though the status and type of relationship the hospital groups will have hasn't been determined, the move is seen as a step in the right direction for Mount Vernon Hospital, which has had threats of closing almost annually, WMC representatives said.
Sound Shore Medical Center CEO John Spicer said it is important to partner with a larger organization, adding that there are no plans for any layoffs of the current staff.
Many nurses, including Tracy McCook, have spoken out about conditions of Mount Vernon Hospital. McCook said that although the hospital is certified to have more than 100 in-patient beds, it currently has less than 30 right now.
Linda Carrington, an RN who has worked at Mount Vernon Hospital for 17 years, said she has seen its services seriously diminish over the years, including the loss of the maternity ward and dialysis unit.
“Machines break and never get fixed,” Carrington said. “We have limited supplies. We provide quality care because we do care. This is one of the largest employers in Mount Vernon and the surrounding businesses will lose money, too,” if the hospital were to close “when Mount Vernon can use as much money as it can get,” she said.
Mount Vernon Hospital did not offer comment in the announcement from WMC.
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