Ascension responds to NYT article on staffing
Ascension, a nonprofit health system that includes 139 hospitals in 19 states, yesterday published a detailed response to a New York Times article that examined staffing at the health system.
“Ascension is deeply committed to providing a positive workplace culture for our nurses, as well as other clinicians and associates,” the Ascension blog states. “Doing so is not only an inherent aspect of valuing the dignity of our colleagues, but a well-functioning and supported workforce improves the quality of care we provide to the communities we serve. Unlike what The New York Times has indicated that it was told, the reality is that Ascension’s hospital staffing levels – particularly bedside nursing staffing – increased in the years leading up to the pandemic and continue to exceed levels maintained by the majority of our peers.
“Ascension is also committed to continually measuring and improving the quality of care provided to the communities we serve. Despite facing unprecedented and challenging financial times, our dedication to our Mission is evidenced by the fact that we provided nearly $2.3 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs during our last fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. Since fiscal year 2010, Ascension has provided more than $23.5 billion in care of persons living in poverty and community benefit.”
Read Ascension’s full blog for a detailed response to the article.