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ER staff describe crisis as DPH reports $96.5 million year‑end favorable balance; commission hears contract plans and reserve details
Summary
Two emergency‑department employees told commissioners about repeated 16‑hour shifts, widespread staff anxiety and patient crowding; CFO Greg Wagner reported a $96.5 million favorable year‑end balance (netted to ~$82.5M after carryforward and reserve moves) and described contract plans including registry staffing and a $1.5M HealthSpace USA database contract.
Two emergency‑department staff addressed the commission during public comment, saying chronic understaffing and overcrowding in psychiatric emergency services are harming patients and staff.
"Yesterday was a really, really hard shift for a psychiatric nurse ... She was mandated for the second time this week, 30 minutes before her shift ended, mandated to work a 16 hour shift," said Krista Duran, who urged the commission to address staffing, ratios and access to behavioral‑health care.
Julie, an ED nurse of 20 years, told commissioners staff are having a "moral crisis" and that preliminary survey data show high rates of anxiety and PTSD symptoms among respondents;…
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