NYS Nurses Association calls for urgent attention to ongoing COVID-19 crisis in the wake of Governor Cuomo’s resignation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2021
Contact: Kristi Barnes | kristi.barnes@nysna.org | 646-853-4489
Carl Ginsburg | carl.ginsburg@nysna.org | 917-405-1060

New York- Nurses and healthcare professionals are looking forward to having Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul lead as the next and first female Governor of New York.

No one is above the law, and that should include healthcare facilities. Part of bringing greater accountability to Albany necessarily includes examining the Cuomo administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even without lengthy impeachment proceedings in the state legislature, New York can examine and learn from the State’s response to the pandemic.

With two weeks until his resignation takes effect, Governor Cuomo also has the opportunity to leave New York in a better position to tackle COVID-19. He can sign critical public health legislation that the state legislature passed, including legislation declaring racism a public health crisis. He can ensure the NY Hero Act is enacted and make certain that the NYS Department of Health promulgates safe staffing ratios in hospital Intensive Care Units, so that New York’s hospitals are prepared for another surge.

“This resignation must not be the end of accountability in Albany but should jumpstart an era of greater accountability to women, to workers, to patients, and to our communities,” said NYSNA Executive Director Pat Kane, RN. “As we continue to struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic and work to ensure healthcare and essential workers have the tools and safe workplaces we need, we hope for greater support and a renewed commitment from our elected officials.”

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The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) represents more than 42,000 members in New York State. We are New York’s largest union and professional association for registered nurses. For more information visit nysna.org.