People over profits and the allocation of personnel necessary to meet the demand for care were some of the demands, through which dozens of registered nurses and employees of the Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) hospital condemned the actions of the administration for attempting to close the pediatrics unit and lay off almost a hundred workers.

As several security guards, nurses, employees and teachers who joined the protest in front of the hospital located at 1401 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, watched, the protesters shouted: Tell me what democracy looks like! This is what democracy looks like! If we don't get it, let them close it!

On June 1, management announced a mass layoff of 82 employees, including all pediatric unit nurses, all unit secretaries and other healthcare staff. The pediatric department is scheduled to close on August 31, 2026.

The protesters notified their employer on June 18 that they would hold an informational protest, through which they asked families in the Latino and African-American community to join their fight to avoid “any danger to the care of children.”

“Each nurse takes care of four patients daily, which generates stress and difficulty in providing adequate care,” Ariana Gómez, representative of the California Nurses Association/National United Nurses (CNA/NNU), told La Opinión. "Lack of staff affects care and can endanger patients' lives. Their job is very stressful if there is not enough staff."

Protesters claimed that hospital administration has failed to address ongoing concerns about the impact of declining resources on patient care and safety, including understaffing, a shortage of support staff, increased workplace violence and a lack of adequate breaks.

“Corporate greed”

Ariana Gómez indicated that it is difficult for many nurses to take a break, because they have no one to cover them to assign patients to someone else, especially when they have to run to the laboratory for medical results, go get medicine, open a door or something as simple as answering the phone.

“The children need our help,” he said, while his companions marched in a circle in front of the hospital with banners and messages such as “Even heroes need backup”; “Little kids Matter” (Children matter); “Fund care, not billionaires” or Why are executives still making millions of dollars during record-breaking layoffs? Make it sense! Why are executives still making millions of dollars amid unprecedented mass layoffs? Someone explain it to me!”

Noting the “greed” of the Catholic nonprofit corporation, protesters revealed that executives have made $1.4 billion over the past five years and described how a few dozen SommonSpirit executives were paid more than $595 million; to those of Providence, $371 million; to those of Ascension, $166 million; Trinity $142 million and SSM $156 million, including $50 million to retired CommonSpirit CEO Lloyd Dean.

Guadalupe Torijano, a nurse at Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center for a year, expressed concern about the decision to close the pediatrics unit, where approximately 3,000 children are treated each year.

“They say it's to save money, that not many children come here,” he said.

What will happen to the babies?

Laura Topete, a nurse from Jalisco with 14 years of experience, highlighted that the decision to fire 82 workers and eliminate the pediatrics department is unfair.

“I love my job, but I don't like that they want to eliminate [pediatric] care here and then send the children somewhere else,” he stressed. "The CEO [Brian Smolskis] made $14 million last year. That's a lot of money and they're looking to do business in healthcare."

Supposedly, the vocation that defines and unites CommonSpirit Health, - of which Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center is a part - is caring “with passion for the most vulnerable people.”

“Our mission, vision and values ​​guide every aspect of our daily work and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities and each other,” he says in writing. “Our community health, research and home care programs help us address the key barriers to achieving healthier communities.”

“It is incredible that CHMC has decided to close the pediatric unit,” said Laura Topete, a nurse in CHMC's postpartum unit. "What will happen to our babies who need additional care after birth? Our patient population is limited, and the pediatrics department helps mothers and babies stay together. What will happen to these families when this unit closes?"

He considered it a “sin” for a Catholic institution not to fulfill its mission, which indicates that it is in the health market to benefit the poor.

“Our mission says that we are here to serve the poor, but in reality they use the title that they are a non-profit organization to grab a lot of money and they don't pay taxes,” Topete explained.

A spokeswoman for Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center responded that “the safety of our healthcare staff and patients is our top priority.”

"We recognize and respect our employees' right to participate in informational picketing, and those who participate are valued members of our healthcare team. Importantly, hospital operations will not be affected."

“Unsafe work environment”

Nurses have submitted numerous sick leave requests despite receiving objection forms alleging understaffing and missed breaks.

They claim CHMC management has failed to ensure a safe work environment, simply telling registered nurses to do more with less.

CHMC leadership has also invested in virtual monitoring services instead of certified nursing assistants, modifying care models to save money rather than investing in sufficient, safe staffing.

Yvonne Printers, a registered nurse at California Hospital for 38 years, who received a layoff notice expressed concern for the community, particularly African American and Latino residents who will face difficulties accessing pediatric hospital care.

She, who is part of the pediatric department, emphasized that the notification had a great impact, “because, on a personal level, we nurses do not know if we will keep our job in another unit or if we will have to look for employment elsewhere.”

“But the real impact is for our vulnerable patients in the area who will have to travel further with limited resources to receive specialist pediatric hospital care,” he said. “They are prioritizing profits over people.”