Nurses criticize CPMC CEO salary hikes amid budget cuts and staff layoffs

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding healthcare staffing and compensation, as well as the impact of rising healthcare costs on low-income populations.

During the meeting, a registered nurse from California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) expressed alarm over substantial salary increases for top executives, including a 59% raise for CEO Dr. Warren Browner and a 45% increase for Dr. Martin Brotman, who transitioned from CEO of CPMC to vice president of Sutter Health West Bay. This occurred while healthcare workers, including nurses, faced wage freezes and layoffs due to budget cuts. The nurse detailed how the loss of critical positions, such as lactation consultants and nursing educators, has increased workloads for remaining staff and negatively affected patient care.

Another speaker shared a personal experience regarding the importance of specialized care for premature infants, emphasizing that the loss of essential staff could jeopardize the health of vulnerable patients. The speaker called for better conditions for healthcare workers and improved support for families relying on hospital services.

Additionally, Donald Armstrong, a case manager at Myrtle Heights Neighborhood Center, addressed the challenges faced by low-income individuals in accessing necessary healthcare services. He noted that many clients are unable to afford procedures or obtain coverage for essential services like dental and vision care, leading to severe consequences for their health and well-being.

The discussions underscored the urgent need for policy changes to address healthcare staffing issues and the rising costs that disproportionately affect low-income communities. The meeting concluded with a call for action to improve healthcare access and support for both patients and healthcare providers.