Concerns over the future of healthcare services in San Francisco took center stage during a recent government meeting, as nurses and community leaders voiced their apprehensions regarding UCSF's acquisition of Saint Francis and Saint Mary's hospitals. The discussions highlighted fears about potential service reductions and the need for transparency in the transition process.

Sonia Melara, Executive Director of Raleigh Family Visitation Services, praised the commitment of local healthcare providers to serve vulnerable populations. However, she emphasized the importance of oversight to ensure that the acquisition benefits both labor groups and the community. "We should do whatever we can to make sure this happens," she stated, underscoring the need for accountability.

Marie Roberts, a registered nurse at UCSF Mission Bay, raised critical concerns about the integration of newly acquired nurses into the California Nurses Association (CNA) contract. She insisted that all nurses at the newly acquired hospitals must be included in the statewide bargaining agreement to maintain fair standards across the board.

Mark Rodriguez, a nurse at Saint Mary's, expressed gratitude for the information shared by UCSF but called for greater transparency moving forward. He noted that previous acquisitions had led to service reductions, urging the Health Commission to hold UCSF accountable for its commitments.

Veteran nurse Martha Cool shared her experiences from UCSF's previous acquisition of Children's Hospital in Oakland, warning that profit-driven decisions could jeopardize essential services for the community. She highlighted the disparity in treatment between profitable surgical services and critical care teams, such as the safe team for child trauma victims.

The meeting concluded with calls for UCSF to prioritize community needs and uphold equitable healthcare access. Rachel Cohen Cepeda, a nurse at UCSF, urged the institution to engage openly with healthcare workers and community groups rather than making decisions behind closed doors.

As the acquisition process unfolds, the voices of frontline healthcare workers remain crucial in advocating for the preservation of vital services and ensuring that the needs of San Francisco's diverse population are met.