Alameda Health System Budget Deficit and Proposed Layoffs

Stated that night bed controllers are vital for patient safety and emergency coordination at Highland Hospital, urging the board to protect essential staff.

Called on AHS and the county to support the Billionaire Tax Act ballot initiative to bring in state revenue and avoid layoffs.

Spoke on behalf of community health clinic clinicians in solidarity with AHS workers opposing cuts to public healthcare.

Shared her experience receiving a layoff notice as a specialist clerk at John George Psychiatric Hospital and criticized management's handling of the crisis.

Spoke as an interpreter representing the Eritrean and Ethiopian community, emphasizing reliance on health advocates and complex care.

Highlighted the critical role of complex care case managers and questioned executive decisions and staffing cuts.

Voiced opposition to budget cuts as a Medi-Cal recipient and Oakland resident, supporting healthcare workers and services.

Criticized the COO's understanding of laboratory operations and blood culture contamination data.

Spoke as a District 3 parent and Medi-Cal recipient about how healthcare cuts directly harm families and increase wait times.

Expressed opposition to cuts through an ACE member translator, emphasizing healthcare as a community lifeline.

Called on the county to postpone layoffs and keep the health system staffed and united.

Organiser with ACE described seniors in East Oakland terrified of losing care and called management's cuts a death sentence.

Social Services VP of services discussed how GA clients rely on AHS medical verifications and warned against breaking the safety net.

Argued that cuts to AHS will lead to increased hospital-acquired infections, readmissions, and financial liabilities.

Highland RN and SEIU 1021 member criticized management's poor execution of layoff notifications and restructuring.

Orthopedic physician described her role as the sole provider of ultrasound-guided joint injections and warned against service elimination.

Highland physical therapist criticized the Board of Trustees for lacking transparency and proper data analysis.

Physical therapist and union member warned against patient abandonment and urged supervisors to rescind cuts.

Respiratory therapist and local resident called for taxing the rich instead of cutting safety-net healthcare jobs.

Expressed fear and desperation regarding her adult son with schizophrenia and the lack of housing or mental health alternatives.

John George activity therapist highlighted the disconnect between executive statements and the reality of impact bargaining.

Fairmont worker and delegate spoke against closing the employee cafeteria and invited supervisors to visit.

San Leandro EPS worker stressed the essential role of environmental services in patient safety and cleanliness.

Highland outpatient worker spoke about supporting patients and demanding leadership accountability.

Clinical lab scientist detailed staffing shortages, overworked personnel, and the crucial role of lab assistants in emergencies.

Highland dietitian warned that layoffs threaten the entire hospital ecosystem and outlined the compounding impact on patient care.

Orthopedic PA at Newark Wellness Center stated that closing her schedule is a backdoor elimination of South Bay orthopedic care.

San Leandro respiratory therapist with 18 years experience criticized historical cuts, administrative consolidation, and impacts on vulnerable populations.

Chief of Staff read a letter from the Medical Executive Committee expressing urgent concern over governance, lack of clinical engagement, and risks to patient safety.