Another union representative, Ferdinand Silerio, mentioned a belief that mold might be present in the hospital, though this had not been confirmed. He also noted a reported sewage spill, acknowledging that some information might be based on rumors. Silerio said that patients had been moved out of the intensive care unit due to odors and possible mold.

Jessica Meinert, an emergency room technician, estimated that around 50 employees had experienced symptoms. She recalled that many nurses felt dizzy and faint last week, initially attributing it to the heat. However, the symptoms persisted even as temperatures dropped. Meinert criticized management for not doing more to address the situation, saying the only advice offered was for employees to go outside for fresh air if they felt unwell. According to Meinert, management has not provided treatment for symptoms or acknowledged any air quality issues.

“What will it take to prioritize your staff’s safety?” she asked. “Find the cause of these issues.”

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Nurses say the loss of the obstetrics department will likely be dangerous for expectant patients who come to the emergency room in labor. The hospital frequently cares for high-risk, pregnant patients, many of whom are low-income and have not received adequate prenatal care. These patients may not be able to travel to another hospital.

“Closing obstetrics services at our hospital will affect our most vulnerable populations, who are already at risk for poor health outcomes,” said Ginny Packham, a labor and delivery RN in the obstetrics department at Hemet Global Medical Center. “Closing this vital community resource will hurt our pregnant patients, who will now need to travel much further to get obstetrics care.”

Hemet Global will continue to receive these patients, but the hospital will not have the experienced obstetrics staff to safely care for them. 

The RNs demand that the obstetrics department remain open. The department is a critical and irreplaceable resource for Hemet residents. Families and patients seeking obstetrics care would be forced to travel an additional 30-60 minutes depending on traffic, with any delays potentially jeopardizing the health and safety of both parent and baby.

California Nurses Association represents nearly 300 nurses at Hemet Global Medical Center. 

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