Media Contact: Natalie Burnham Foundation & Marketing Director (315) 493-0114 nburnham@cahny.

org (January 22, 2014) CARTHAGE, NY Carthage Area Hospital Officials and NYSNA representatives have been in contract negotiations since May of 2013. The hospital, in its efforts to accommodate the Union, feels it has proposed a very fair and equitable offer, in spite of the significant financial challenges faced by the hospital and other health care facilities in the North Country, said Adil Ameer, CEO of Carthage Area Hospital. The last proposal from the hospital had offered to absorb increases in healthcare benefits and did not propose any increases or decreases in salary, benefits, or request any concessions. Hospital representatives feel very strongly that they have operated in good faith throughout the entire process, but regrettably have not been able to get an agreement from the Union. Carthage Area Hospital will continue to work to find solutions to this impasse. Carthage Area Hospital, in order to meet its very important objective of providing high quality healthcare to the communities it serves, must maintain operational stability and financial viability. If an agreement cannot be reached in the near future, the hospital will begin to evaluate the restructuring of programs and services, which potentially could result in reductions in services and staff. On January 27, 2014 from 3:30pm 5:00pm, NYSNA will hold an informational picket on Hospital Drive in front of Carthage Area Hospital. Please be cognizant traveling near the hospital. Carthage Area Hospital remains committed to providing the best healthcare to all patients and as such, it is the sincere hope that this issue will be resolved as soon as possible.

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