For Immediate Release
December 18, 2023
The North Carolina Nurses Association Board of Directors is reiterating its longstanding stance on the situation at Mission Health with a new quote from its president, Trish Richardson.
“Staffing levels and standards of care at Mission Health have been an area of concern since the hospital was first sold to HCA Healthcare. The North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA) does not typically comment on the business practices of individual hospitals or health systems, but we made an exception for this specific situation nearly four years ago. Unfortunately, in the years following the purchase of Mission Health, we have seen no evidence of improvement in the level of trust between HCA, its staff, and the community.
“The burnout crisis we are currently experiencing in nursing only exacerbates the nursing shortage, a vicious cycle that has greatly worsened since the coronavirus pandemic. These twin emergencies are affecting every health system in the state. NCNA once again implores HCA to provide its nurses – and the rest of their colleagues – the resources they need to deliver a level of care that the people of North Carolina deserve. Mission Health plays a vital role in the health and wellness of North Carolinians who live in a vast region of western North Carolina. The status quo must not be allowed to continue.”
Trish Richardson, MSN, BSBA, RN, NE-BC, CMSRN
President, North Carolina Nurses Association
MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Cowperthwaite, APR
Director of Communications & Outreach
(919) 821-4250 or chriscowperthwaite@ncnurses.org
ABOUT NCNA
As the leading professional organization for North Carolina’s registered nurses, we equip nurses at all stages to thrive in an ever-changing healthcare environment. NCNA helps keep North Carolina nurses on the cutting edge of nursing practice, policy, education, and more. Join us as we work to advance nursing and ensure high-quality healthcare for everyone.
Established in 1902, NCNA provides continuing education, networking and legislative advocacy for registered nurses throughout North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.ncnurses.org.
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The North Carolina Nurses Association serves the changing needs of its members, addresses nursing issues, and advocates for the health and well-being of all people.
