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Memorial supports SEIU effort to increase state aid for upstate nursing homes

Memorial Medical Center President & CEO Joseph A. Ruffolo today thanked members of 1199 SEIU for their efforts to increase public awareness about the need for additional state aid to keep struggling upstate nursing homes financially solvent.

Although the 2005-2006 state budget includes $80 million for upstate nursing homes, that money has been held up in Albany because state legislators and Gov. George Pataki have not been able to agree on spending language.

"We value our partnership with 1199 SEIU and endorse the union's efforts to direct urgently needed state funding to our Schoellkopf Health Center and other upstate New York nursing homes," Ruffolo said. "Recruiting, training and retaining qualified staff members to care for our elderly residents are constant challenges for us. The additional aid promised in the state budget will help us better address those key personnel needs."

Schoellkopf workers along with employees at all other SEIU organized nursing homes in Western New York are conducting informational picketing to raise awareness of this issue at their facilities today.