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Saint Annes staff, union leaders praise Brown Health takeover and urge investment
Summary
Front-line workers and 1199 SEIU leaders at a Fall River event described relief and optimism after Brown Healths acquisition of Saint Annes Hospital, calling for continued investment to stabilize services and address workforce challenges.
Health-care workers at Saint Annes Hospital spoke directly about their experience during a public event where Brown University Health and state leaders marked the hospitals acquisition.
Tim Foley, executive vice president of 1199 SEIU, credited union members and community allies for pushing elected officials and operators to secure a solution that kept the hospital open, recalling an April 25, 2024 rally calling for action. "That call for action and engagement was met," Foley said, thanking the governor and state officials for their role.
Several staff members who spoke at the podium described personal ties to the hospital and relief at the transition. Daniella Ferreira, a certified nursing assistant who said she has worked at the hospital for 12 years, thanked Brown Health for "giving us this chance to push forward" after difficult years including COVID. Joe Peterson, a health-unit coordinator, said he noticed a "culture of professionalism" at the hospital and expressed excitement about Brown Healths plans.
Erin, a nurse who said she has worked at St. Annes for 27 years, described the hospital as "a family" and expressed gratitude to colleagues and leaders who helped preserve care in the community.
What workers want next: Speakers and union leaders said retaining staff, investing in facilities and ensuring operating capital are immediate priorities. Tim Foley and staff emphasized continued oversight and partnership among the hospital, unions and state agencies as Brown Health integrates the facility into its network.
Attribution: Quotes in this article are from Tim Foley (1199 SEIU), Daniella Ferreira (CNA), Joe Peterson (health-unit coordinator) and Erin (nurse).
