Lifespan and Care New England in Merger Talks, Union Demands Input

Lifespan and Care New England in Merger Talks, Union Demands Input

Merger discussions are back on between Rhode Island’s two largest hospital groups — Lifespan and Care New England.

This may be the sixth merger discussion between the two companies in the past twenty-plus years.

Both healthcare groups are financially struggling.  Lifespan announced that it lost more than $43 million in April alone. The company has lost more than $100 million in the first four months of the year.

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United Nurses and Allied Professionals President Linda McDonald, RN, said Tuesday night, “Today’s announcement of the renewed merger talks between Lifespan and Care New England has the potential to dramatically alter healthcare delivery in Rhode Island and have a major impact on thousands of brave bedside caregivers and support professionals.” 

“We’ve been down this road before, and as we’ve said each time, the devil is in the details," added McDonald.

“Negotiations between these two organizations must be done in the interest of full transparency. Additionally, it is not enough to just recognize the life-saving work of caregivers – their input must be solicited and respected as talks resume,” she added.

“We would ask that full consideration be given to the placement of a union representative on any consolidated Board of Directors. It is crucial that the workers’ voices be heard, and there is no better way for that to happen than with a union seat at the table,” said McDonald. “If COVID 19 has taught us anything, it is to listen to the women and men on the frontlines who are doing the real work of healthcare.”