Desert Regional Medical Center pushes back against nursing union claims of serious health and safety concerns

Desert Regional Medical Center is pushed back Tuesday against a nursing union and its claims of serious health and safety concerns at the Palm Springs hospital managed by Tenet Healthcare.

The California Nurses Association represents California nurses. It said Monday that Desert Regional Medical Center registered nurses had launched a new billboard campaign to raise public awareness of the nursing staff concerns.

A billboard is now located along Highway 111 west of Palm Springs near the Interstate 10 interchange. 

The nurses association claims there are leaks in the hospital's neurological intensive care unit and a pest infestation in the emergency department’s break room. 

KESQ News Channel 3 has not confirmed the claims. 

In a statement, the hospital's management pushed back against the claims. Group Director of Marketing Richard Ramhoff said, “The California Nurses Association continues to spread misleading information about Desert Regional. These claims are unwarranted, and these tactics will not change Desert Regional’s unwavering commitment to the Coachella Valley."

Tenet is in lease discussions with Tenet over a lease renewal for the hospital.  

The union says it hopes the billboard raises public awareness about the issues at the hospital and inspires the community to get involved in planning for its future.  

Ramhoff's statement said, "Our hospital takes maintenance and cleanliness standards seriously. This includes addressing repairs needed due to people flushing non-flushable cleaning wipes or issues after heavy rains such as pest control. Consistent with sound operational protocols, we proactively closed areas for a short time to remediate issues. These unrelated occurrences were addressed immediately and disclosed promptly to the staff and the Desert Healthcare District."

The statement says patient safety was never compromised and that the hospital is in compliance with the terms of its lease with the healthcare district.

"We have met all reporting requirements, passed physical plant reviews and site inspections, and have met all timelines for seismic compliance,” the hospital's statement read.