Lower Bucks Hospital Nurses End 5-Day Strike

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA —Nurses at Lower Bucks Hospital are now back to work following a strike that began on Friday.

Following a five-day strike, nearly 240 nurses from the Bristol Township-based hospital and Suburban Community Hospital in Norristown protested wages, benefits, and staff shortages.

"Day No. 5 and the final day of the Suburban and Lower Bucks Nurses strike. Thank you to everyone who came out and showed their support in the last few days because when we fight we win," the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses & Allied Professionals said.

The nurses are back to work and there are no new updates or developments, Michelle Aliprantis, spokeswoman for both hospitals, told Patch Wednesday.

Suburban Community Hospital and Lower Bucks Hospital are continuing to bargain in good faith with the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses & Allied Professionals (PASNAP) leadership to reach an agreement in the best interests of our hospitals, employees, and, most importantly, those we serve," Aliprantis said.

Aliprantis said that the parties have not scheduled other dates for bargaining.

"We value all of our employees and their dedication to caring for our community, and we are committed to ensuring a workplace that honors their work and continues to provide lifesaving care for the most vulnerable," she said.

The hospitals are operated by Prime Healthcare, a for-profit hospital company based in California, that has 45 hospitals and 300 outpatient facilities in 14 states with nearly 50,000 employees.

The nurses have been working without a contract since their previous three-year contract ended Oct. 12.

In late October, nurses at Lower Bucks Hospital picketed the hospital to protest the staff shortages.

PASNAP also recently learned of a report that Prime Healthcare is planning to sell three hospitals – Suburban Community Hospital in East Norriton, Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol, and Roxborough Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia.

"Together with all of our valued caregivers, we look forward to reaching an agreement that rewards our staff while also promoting the delivery of safe, high-quality care to our patients," Aliprantis said.

During the 5-day strike at Lower Bucks Hospital and Suburban Community Hospital, nurses collected 200 toys and 50 coats for the community this holiday season, PASNAP said.