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July 29, 1999

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Hospital stops taking patients, preparing for strike

 

PRESTONSBURG — Highlands Regional Medical Center stopped accepting new patients at 8 a.m. yesterday as the 184-bed hospital prepared to close Monday if its employees go on strike.

About 400 hourly hospital workers and registered nurses are threatening a ``work stoppage'' Monday if current contract negotiations fail. Highlands vice president Barry Tourigny said Highlands is now open only for childbirths and minor surgery ``in an effort to reduce our census so that if there is a work stoppage, we'll be prepared.''

Tourigny said the hospital had about 80 patients yesterday afternoon. Contract talks with Local 1199 of the Services Employees International Union will resume today and perhaps continue into the weekend in an effort to head off the strike, he said. Union leaders could not be reached for comment.

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