Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara today issued a letter to Albany Medical Center’s CEO, standing in strong support of the nurses represented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA). In his letter, Santabarbara urged Albany Med to take immediate action to address critical concerns raised by the nurses regarding patient safety, staffing shortages, and the need for fair contracts.

“Our nurses deserve respect, dignity, and safe working conditions,” said Santabarbara. “These frontline heroes were there for us during the most challenging days of the pandemic, and now it’s time for us to stand with them.”

The letter emphasizes the urgent need for Albany Med to prioritize patient safety by addressing the current staffing shortages, which have left nurses stretched thin and patients vulnerable. Santabarbara calls on the hospital’s leadership to negotiate in good faith and ensure that nurses have the support they need to provide the highest quality of care to their patients.

“Nurses should never have to choose between providing the care they want to give and managing overwhelming workloads due to staffing shortages,” Santabarbara added. “Albany Med must listen to the concerns of its nurses and take action to ensure safe staffing levels. This is essential for both patient care and the well-being of our nurses.”

Santabarbara’s support for the nurses is part of his broader commitment to improving healthcare and ensuring that frontline workers receive the protections and resources they deserve. His call for Albany Med to act swiftly is aligned with ongoing efforts to address systemic issues in healthcare facilities across the state.

“Let’s protect the frontline heroes who protected us through the pandemic,” Santabarbara concluded. “It’s time for Albany Med to step up and deliver fair contracts, better staffing, and safe working conditions for our nurses.”