For Immediate Release
June 20, 2024
Adrienne Enghouse
enghousea@yahoo.com
503-810-4489
SANDOVAL, N.M.—A member of the union representing nurses and other health professionals at New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center is facing retaliation by the hospital for speaking out for basic patient care and for insisting the hospital adhere to national radiology guidelines.
United Health Professionals of New Mexico filed charges today with the Public Employee Labor Relations Board over UNM SRMC’s actions against Gilbert Martinez, who works in the radiology department. He appeared recently before the PELRB to discuss why a union and accompanying contract would help patients receive better care. He also has been consistently urging the hospital to follow American College of Radiology guidelines to have two radiologists present when an MRI is given. Martinez said there usually is only one present because of staff shortages.
“The hospital is retaliating against Mr. Martinez for speaking out and speaking the truth on behalf of patient safety. UNM SRMC’s actions are attempts to intimidate Mr. Martinez and chill the exercise of a union’s right to advocate for patients,” said Shane Youtz, the union’s attorney.
The union wants to discuss deficiencies in patient care at the bargaining table and come up with solutions that will improve the quality of care as well as recruitment and retention. The hospital has refused to meet and instead has filed several court actions to avoid bargaining. Leapfrog, a national organization that rates the quality of hospital care, gave Sandoval its lowest rating of a D. The national Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services gave Sandoval 1 star out of 5 for overall patient quality.
“UNM SRMC President Jamie Silva-Steele is refusing to acknowledge the hospital’s shortcomings, but the nurses and other health professionals want changes made immediately to ensure patients get the best care possible,” said Adrienne Enghouse, chief organizer for UHPNM.
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