Union workers rally to save local hospital as emergency hearing is set

WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – As the closing of Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Steward’s other healthcare systems in the valley loom, officials and union workers are still fighting to save the hospitals and their jobs.

First News learned Thursday night that an emergency hearing looking to extend the closure deadline and a possible change in ownership for Trumbull Regional, Hillside, and its satellite facilities has been scheduled for Tuesday in Texas, according to a court document.

The emergency legal objection was filed by several parties including Western Reserve Health Education (WRHE) and Warren City Hospital, Inc.

They oppose the planned closure of Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital by Steward Health Care System, LLC, which is currently in bankruptcy proceedings.

The filing requests emergency relief to prevent the closure of the hospitals by Sept. 20 and is seeking an extension to Nov. 20.

WRHE is attempting to keep the hospital open with a $20.5 million bid raised through several entities including the City of Warren, Trumbull County and public donations.

AFSCME Ohio Council 8, the union representing many of the 908 workers at both TRMC and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital hosted a rally Thursday evening at the corner of E. Market St. and Homewood Ave. SE.

Picketers lined the street, joining Warren City and Trumbull County EMS workers, firefighters and officials who were there to support the hospitals.

Many were worried — not just about nurses and doctors losing their jobs — but the cafeteria workers, custodians and maintenance workers too. They say they aren’t going down without a fight.

“We’re going to be here until they chain the doors,” said Vanessa Satterthwaite, TRMC nurse.

Some families have multiple people working at the hospital.

“My wife and I are both registered nurses here at the hospital. She works at the geriatric psychiatric unit and I work in outpatient surgery. So we’re losing our whole house income,” said TRMC nurse Jack Norton.

Andrea and Delanie Aires were at the rally supporting Delanie’s father who has been a maintenance worker at the hospital for 44 years.

“Not knowing if he’s going to have a job. We’re kind of in limbo right now,” said Aires.

First news learned Wednesday that TRMC is diverting ambulances to other area hospitals something union members are concerned will cost people their lives.

“Seconds matter — that one and a half miles. That’s five minutes away. That’s the difference between life or death,” Satterthwaite said.

Paul LaPolla is one of many patients who worries about his quality of care if TRMC closes.

“I hate to see this. I really do, because this is a great hospital,” said LaPolla. “Just being in the hospital at certain times in my life — it brings tears to my eyes. I hate to see this happen.”

Even other unions were at the rally in solidarity. Dave Green, UAW Region 2B Representative, thanked those who have worked at TRMC.

“The workers from this hospital have saved thousands of lives of the UAW members and a lot of people throughout this community, so thank you. Thank you,” Green said. “We need to make sure this hospital stays here. This is another prime example of corporate greed, profits over people.”

Mayor Franklin also said the situation is the result of corporate greed.

“We’re going to stand strong. We’re going to stand with you. I will keep fighting for you tooth and nail. I promise you,” Franklin said.

Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown says he’s also working to see what he can do to help save the local Steward-owned hospitals from closing.

“It’s another slap in the face to the Valley. It’s nurses, it’s doctors, it’s other employees — and first of all, it’s patients and people need care and too often this has happened,” Brown said.

Brown says he’s talked to a number of people about it and although he doesn’t know what it is just yet that either the state or federal government can do about it, Brown says he’ll continue to fight it.

“We’re talking to the union, we’re talking to management, we’re talking to people in the community — we’ll talk to state government if there’s any way. I mean this is a great loss. obviously a huge number of employees, but it’s a loss of care,” he said.

Back in May, Brown sent a letter to Steward’s CEO urging him to work with area stakeholders to make sure both Steward employees and patients were prioritized.

Katelyn Amato and Madison Meeker contributed to this report.

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