Oregon Nurses Association is calling PeaceHealth’s decision to renew its contract with local emergency room physicians a “historic victory” after the healthcare provider announced it would no longer pursue plans to outsource emergency department care to ApolloMD, an out-of-state staffing group.
In a statement released Tuesday, the union representing nurses across the state said PeaceHealth’s reversal came only after mounting legal challenges, pressure from elected officials, and widespread public opposition from healthcare workers and community members.
“Today’s announcement is a historic victory for all Oregonians,” the statement said.
ONA accused PeaceHealth executives of attempting to place control of local emergency care into the hands of a corporate entity based outside Oregon. The organization said the decision to abandon the ApolloMD proposal demonstrated the strength of coordinated resistance from nurses, physicians, caregivers, and residents.
According to the union, the controversy highlighted broader concerns about corporate influence in healthcare and Oregon’s longstanding restrictions on the corporate practice of medicine.
“The message is unmistakable. Oregonians’ health is not for sale,” the statement read. “Hospitals must put patients ahead of profits and local collaboration over corporate control.”
ONA also warned other healthcare systems to pay attention to the outcome, arguing that Oregon law protects healthcare decisions from being controlled by corporate executives or outside interests.
While celebrating the decision, the organization said the dispute has damaged public confidence in PeaceHealth and that rebuilding trust will require transparency and collaboration with frontline healthcare workers and community leaders.
The union said nurses, doctors, and local leaders remain willing to work with PeaceHealth leadership to improve the region’s healthcare system and restore community trust.
PeaceHealth previously announced plans to replace local emergency physicians with ApolloMD at facilities in the Eugene-Springfield area, a move that drew criticism from healthcare workers and sparked legal and political scrutiny. The health system has since confirmed it will renew its agreement with Eugene Emergency Physicians.
About the Author
Discover more from Right Now Oregon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
