I recently retired from UPMC Altoona as a facility maintenance manager. We recently installed “state of the art” surveillance systems at the Station Medical Facility and, outside of the fact that I believe there needs to be an “armed police presence” during normal working hours, it is an excellence system providing a proactive approach to patient and staff safety.
I’ve witnessed our administrators at UPMC Altoona trying to do everything within their authority to provide world class care and safety for patients and staff.
It’s my opinion that they are operating with two hands tied behind their backs, when it comes to hiring the 300 nurses they so desperately need. Mentioned on the UPMC website, is the fact that, for the second quarter alone (2025), UPMC notched a $111.2 million operating gain, compared to 2024.
Since UPMC is a nonprofit organization, the surplus of revenue should go back to the service provided. Hospitals in general have a legal and ethical duty to provide quality care, ensure patient safety and to uphold patients’ rights. It’s my hope that the entire community gets involved.
Our federal, state and local officials need to make their voices heard in Pittsburgh, as well as our local papers, news outlets and business owners, large and small. Each and every individual needs to make their voices heard in Pittsburgh.
Our excellent nurses can only do so much, when they are short 300 nurses. It could be a matter of life and death.
Jerry Fulare
Altoona
Community should stand up for hospital
