Nurses Speak Out to Claim UCLA Medical Center is Unprepared for Ebola

Registered nurses at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center are expected to hold a "speak out" Wednesday to voice concerns that the hospital is not properly equipped to deal with Ebola. 

The nurses believes that the UC hospitals that are now being promoted as priority hospitals for treating any potential Ebola patients in California are "far from prepared." A speak out is scheduled for 7 a.m. Wednesday at UCLA Medical Center.

The events have been organized by the California Nurses Association union and National Nurses United (NNU), which represent approximately 12,000 nurses. Similar speak outs were held at UC San Diego and UC San Francisco Tuesday.

Despite what nurses say, an official from the UC system went on the record Tuesday and said they are "far along" in their preparations, and measures are in place to deal with any cases.

Last week, officials said all five University of California medical centers are positioned to provide care for Californians with confirmed Ebola.

UCLA Registered Nurse Fong Chuu, who is a California Nurses Association board member, spoke out ahead of the event.

"Weeks after registered nurse, Nina Pham, was infected in Texas, the preparedness at our hospitals is still a work in progress. This is unacceptable," Chuu said.

The unions are calling for full-body hazmat suits that meet required standards for blood penetration, viral penetration and which leaves no skin exposed or unprotected, powered air purifying respirators with an assigned protection factor of at least 50 or higher, and at least two direct-care registered nurses caring for each Ebola patient.

They are also calling for extensive and continuous training for nursing personnel.

University of California health sciences and services head Dr. John Stobo insisted preparations were well under way. 

"We welcome constructive input from nurses, physicians and other staff as to how we might improve our preparedness," Stobo said.

NNU is demanding all hospitals implement the optimal standards in personal protective equipment and training protocols.

It is also calling on federal and state officials to mandate hospitals comply with the optimal protections for nurses, other frontline health workers, patients, and the general public.

"It is unconscionable that the hospitals do not have the optimal standards and protocols already in place to protect our caregivers," said RoseAnn DeMoro, NNU and CNA executive director.

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