SUBJECT:

Systemwide Nurses Strike

The University of California has received notice from the California Nurses Association (CNA) that they intend to hold a 24-hour strike beginning on Thursday morning, July 21, 2005 at all UC campuses. This will involve nurses who work at UCSD Medical Center, Hillcrest, and UCSD Thornton Hospital, and at all UCSD primary and specialty care practices.

We intend to maintain the full range of urgent, emergency and scheduled medical services for the duration of the strike. Our management team is working closely with physician and staff leadership to make sure that patient services are not interrupted by this work stoppage, and that the care and safety of our patients are not compromised. We have retained highly qualified, experienced nursing staff to provide additional support during the strike.

We are confident that we will maintain the highest level of care and service for our patients. All UCSD Medical Center employees share the same core values: quality, integrity, creativity, caring and teamwork. Our dedicated physicians and staff will draw upon these values as they work together to ensure the provision of the many vital services that our patients and the region depend on, despite this labor action.

I want to thank everyone in advance for their professionalism and support throughout this challenging week.

Edward W. Holmes Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences Dean, School of Medicine