Listen to workers
Published: Tue, Jul. 29, 2008 12:30AM
Modified Tue, Jul. 29, 2008 05:51AM
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closeIn response to the July 17 article "DHHS lax on oversight, auditor finds" and the July 16 article "New hospital is ready, says Benton," it is obvious that the state needs to have independent investigations into all of these tragedies -- the Dix-Umstead trainwreck and the mismanagement of state funds.
As a community supporter of efforts to keep Dix hospital open at least one more year, I feel that it is unfortunate that a vital voice in this crisis, that of the workers and members of the UE 150 union, are being ignored by Gov. Mike Easley and DHHS Secretary Dempsey Benton. If they are so sure that the hospital is going to be safe, then why have they not met with the workers' chosen representatives to discuss this issue and hear their concerns? After all, it is the employees who work with the patients and see what they go through and know what they need and deserve.
If the governor would issue an executive order or if the legislature would pass a bill that would codify the Mental Health Workers Bill of Rights, that would set in place basic standards needed regarding proper staffing, safety and other precautions.
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David Foy, Raleigh
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