[Antiracism] [WR/HCA] MNA Condemns Sen. Moore's Comparison of MNA to Taliban

[WMass Jobs with Justice]

From: Diane Scherrer DScherrer at mnarn.org 
 
http://www.massnurses.org/news-and-events/p/openItem/2519
Statement in Response to Sen. Richard Moore Who Compared MNA to Terrorist
Organization on June 25
CANTON, MA - The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) today condemned a
statement made by State Senator Richard Moore (D-Uxbridge) in which he
characterized the MNA, the professional association and largest union for
registered nurses in the Commonwealth, as being "like the Taliban trying to
take over health care in Massachusetts." The statement was made during
remarks he gave at the annual meeting of the Mass. Healthcare Quality and
Cost Council, an event attended by a large audience of health care leaders
and policymakers.
"We feel strongly that it is totally inappropriate to compare the state's
organization for frontline registered nurses to terrorists. The MNA has, for
100 years, been responsible for advocating for the highest standards of
quality care for patients and for the advancement and protection of the
nursing profession," said Beth Piknick, MNA President. "We spend more time
with patients than any other health care provider; we see more and know more
than anyone else in the system about what works and doesn't. The public
knows this and trusts our views and opinions, especially when it concerns
issues of patient care."
"We do not intend to allow this insulting comment to deter us from our
vigorous advocacy for our patients. Our highest priority has, and always
will be, improving the quality of patient care in Massachusetts."
*****************************
 
From: Francis Sandy Eaton, RN [mailto:sandyern at comcast.net] 


Hi, Folks!
 
Senator Richard M. Moore is the Senate chair of the Joint Committee on
Healthcare Finance, and the staunchest foe of both single-payer healthcare
reform and enforceable patient protection legislation. He publicly dissed
the Massachusetts Nurses Association this morning, and now stands exposed as
the industry shill he is. MNA's response, so far, can be found here:
http://www.massnurses.org/news-and-events/p/openItem/2519
 
Sandy Eaton, RN
<http://www.seachangebulletin.org>
 
Begin forwarded message:
 
Hi Everybody,

This is Edgar Chen and I wanted to give a clear and full synopsis of what
just happened.

Today's meeting was the Healthcare Quality and Cost Council Annual Meeting.

Senator Dick Moore was making a comparison between Massachusetts healthcare
and our role in Afghanistan. He mentioned that there were many different
interest groups such as Medical Schools playing the role of warlords, Jim
Conway and the IHI representing the US military and then he said ... The
Taliban is like the MNA and they are trying to take over healthcare. The
room which was cautiously laughing at his earlier comparisons fell silent
when he mentioned the MNA.

Following the breakout sessions, Mary asked to speak and highlighted that
bedside nurses play one of the most crucial roles in defending patient care
and they are the main ones on the frontline. She then stated how Senator
Moore's comment were extremely inappropriate and this was an ineffective way
to build consensus. She ended be asking Senator Moore to step down from any
positions relating to healthcare. 

Afterwards JudyAnn Bigby (Chair of the Council) came up to us and Mary
reiterated how MNA feels about the comments again to her, and she very
nicely (much softer tone) said that she wanted us to know that Senator
Moore's comments did not reflect the Council's views. Also Jim Conway of IHI
then came up and talked for quite a while and also said he wanted us to know
that Senator Moore's comments were inappropriate and he could not support
the comments that Senator Moore made. He agreed that while diverging
viewpoints are beneficial, that disrespect is uncalled for. You can quote
both of them and I think that would be good to show that others are
distancing themselves from Moore, at least in their response to us (MNA).

Let us know if you need any other help with the response and if you have any
other questions or concerns please feel free to contact either of us. What
an interesting morning this turned out to be ...

Sincerely,

Edgar Chen 
 
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