As thousands of nurses walked off the job Monday, hospitals across New York City said patient care would continue largely as scheduled.
Nearly 15,000 nurses are participating in the strike, affecting facilities operated by Mount Sinai, NewYork-Presbyterian and Montefiore. The walkout raised concerns about potential disruptions for patients, though hospital officials emphasized contingency plans already in place.
What You Need To Know
Nearly 15,000 nurses are on strike, affecting Mount Sinai, NewYork-Presbyterian and Montefiore hospitals across New York City
Hospitals say emergency departments remain open and most appointments are continuing unless patients are contacted directly
NewYork-Presbyterian and Mount Sinai have hired temporary nurses to help minimize disruptions to patient care
Some patients reported little to no impact on appointments, though hospitals acknowledged operations may be quieter or slower during the strike
At NewYork-Presbyterian, hospital leadership said the strike impacts only specific locations: Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, Allen Hospital and the Ambulatory Care Network affiliated with Columbia.
For patients already admitted, NewYork-Presbyterian said “steps have been taken to minimize potential disruption to your care, including the hiring of temporary nursing staff from a New York State-accredited healthcare service agency,” adding that “safety and care remain our top priorities.”
Hospital officials also said patients with upcoming appointments will be contacted directly if any changes are necessary.
Some patients said they noticed little difference. One couple visiting a hospital impacted by the strike said their appointment proceeded without issue.
“We were on time and there were no delays whatsoever,” they said.
At Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, a spokesperson told NY1, “All patient appointments remain scheduled unless you hear directly from your provider.”
A man whose wife has been receiving care at Montefiore for several weeks said the hospital felt quieter and slightly slower but that care standards had not changed.
“Everything was on time and everything was cared for. Organized and taken care of well,” he said.
Mount Sinai officials said the strike is affecting Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West. A spokesperson said the system is prepared for a strike that could last “an indefinite amount of time.”
“We have secured more than 1,000 qualified and specialized agency nurses to join our care teams, many of whom have already been integrated into units across our hospitals. All of our hospitals and emergency departments will remain open, and we expect most appointments will proceed as originally scheduled,” the spokesperson said.
Mount Sinai did not clarify whether any appointments had already been canceled.