Nurses' Union Protests RegionalCare's Bid For Landmark

Members of the union representing workers at protested RegionalCare's proposal to buy the hospital and a related rehab facility in front of Landmark Monday afternoon.

The union, which represents 500 - 600 nurses and direct patient care professionals at Landmark Hospital and the rehab facility in North Smithfield, has yet to reach a contract agreement with RegionalCare, a hospital company headquartered in Nashville, TN.  RegionalCare has offered up to around $70 million for the hospital and rehab center, but is the only one of three potential buyers the union has not made an agreement with the company regarding benefits, according to Christopher Callaci, the union's counsel, who was leading the protesters on Monday.

The other two bidders, Transition Healthcare and Prime Healthcare Services, both of California, have come close to matching RegionalCare's bid, according to reports, and have both agreed to honor the union's previous health care plans.  

Callaci said that the health care plan offered to the union by RegionalCare would cost employees $5,000 - $20,000 more in health care costs per year.  He said union members could not afford those costs with their current salaries.

"Their proposals are absolutely devastating to these people and their families," said Callaci.

About 50 people carried signs in protest of RegionalCare outside Landmark.  Many of the signs consisted of the word "RegionalCare" covered up by a large red circle with a slash through it.

"RegionalCare CEO Marty Rash said he would not go through purchasing a hospital if he didn't have a contract with [the union]," said Calacci, "He doesn't have a contract, so he ought to go home."

According to the Providence Journal, each bidder has its advantages and disadvantages.  

RegionalCare doesn't have a contract with the union and said they would cut 100 to 125 positions, but has made a deal with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Rhode Island to settle $2 million in claims against Landmark.  

Transition Healthcare has not made such a deal, but has negotiated effectively with the union and is the only bidder who has said they will not cut jobs.  

Prime has also made a deal with the Union and specializes in hospital turnarounds that focus on doctor-run administrations, but has not negotiated with Blue Cross and said they would cut 200 to 250 jobs.

A fourth bidder, HealthSouth has only made an offer for the rehabilitation facility.  They argued that they are distinctly qualified to run the rehab center and that all restrictions on splitting up the hospitals should be waived.

Judge Michael A. Silverstein has said that a decision on ownership will be made within the week.

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