Saint Vincent Hospital Recommits to Vaccine Staffing

Hospital will be staffed despite possible nurses strike

Worcester, MA – February 26, 2021 – Saint Vincent Hospital will honor its commitment to manage and staff the COVID-19 vaccination center at Worcester State University despite a possible strike by hospital nurses, CEO Carolyn Jackson said today.

The center, a partnership with Worcester State University and Commonwealth Medicine, is a key component of the region’s fight against the pandemic. Roughly 50 vaccination center shifts per week are staffed by Saint Vincent nurses currently. Saint Vincent committed to be the clinical leader for the vaccination center before the Mass. Nurses Association announced plans to strike starting March 8.

“We want to reassure the public that the important work at the vaccination center will continue,” Jackson said. “Given that we may not have Saint Vincent nurses to staff the center starting March 8, we have been in active discussions with other partners for alternative staffing. We will ensure our community’s access to vaccinations is not compromised. Second dose appointments for the week of March 8 will proceed as scheduled, and first dose appointments will be available that week as well.”

The hospital has asked the MNA to return to negotiations to avert a strike. Its generous offer, including raises of up to 22 percent for some nurses and other benefits, remains on the table.