LOCAL 12 IN TOLEDO, OHIO

Hospital workers cited for excellence

Patient satisfaction is a priority for UAW Local 12 members at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio.

And that focus has earned the hospital national recognition for exceptional patient care.
The 2,560 hospital workers, who joined the UAW in 2000, are credited with the hospital receiving a J.D. Power and Associates award for Outstanding Patient Experience — for which only 20 percent of the nation’s hospitals qualify.

Rosalyn Copeland, chair of the 1,000-member unit that includes housekeeping, dietary, clerical and medical records workers, said, “We give all we have to patient care, and this award shows how important that is to us.”

The award comes as workers at St. Vincent Mercy confront the same battles as others throughout the industry: cutbacks, understaffing and extended shifts. Yet even through difficulties, patients are treated with dignity and respect.

“Our goal has been to take care of our patients, first and foremost,” said Sandy Lawson, chair of the unit representing 1,060 registered nurses. “Our members try hard to do the best they can, and this award shows that we have been successful.”

A third UAW unit at St. Vincent represents 500 respiration therapists, licensed practical nurses, paramedics and imaging and X-ray technicians.