“The announcement of a three-year contract agreement between HPAE Local 5138 and Hackensack Meridian Health is welcome news. I am pleased that both sides were able to come to the table and work out an agreement that puts patients and nurses first.

Enforceable nurse-to-patient safe staffing ratios and improved wages and benefits will help strengthen the healthcare workforce at Southern Ocean Medical Center while averting a strike that could have disrupted care in our community. This tentative deal is a positive outcome for everyone involved and will help ensure continued, quality care for our residents.

On a personal note, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the nurses. Their dedication throughout the pandemic was nothing short of heroic, and I remain deeply grateful for all they do every day.

Lastly, I thank all parties for their commitment to working together in good faith to reach this resolution for the benefit of our residents.”