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Opposition to Burn Unit Relocation

The registered nurses from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), comprising 4,000 members represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), have voiced strong opposition to Mass General Brigham's (MGB) proposal to transfer the burn program to Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). This move has stirred concerns about the accessibility of specialized burn care, which is a vital service provided by a highly skilled team at BWH.

The Current Situation

As of November 25, 2025, BWH announced its intention to notify the Department of Public Health regarding the planned merger of its burn program with that of MGH, which is slated to occur in March 2026, pending regulatory approval. This decision coincides with the hospital's strategic direction towards corporate consolidation.

Despite the merger, BWH has assured that its burn nurses at Tower 8 will continue to provide critical care to patients transitioning away from the burn unit. However, the existing contract with MNA guarantees that nurses will not be forced to transfer to other facilities, leading to uncertainties about the future of burn care at BWH.

Concerns of the Nurses

The nurses have highlighted a significant concern that relocating the burn services will detrimentally impact patient care. Kelly Morgan, a labor and delivery nurse and chair of MNA, explained, "Brigham nurses possess extraordinary clinical skills and specialized training in burn care. These skills are essential and should remain accessible to our patients at Brigham. Moving this expertise elsewhere is not in the best interest of those who need it most."

Further emphasizing the importance of specialized burns care, Jim McCarthy, vice chair of MNA and a PACU nurse, reiterated the commitment and expertise of the Brigham burn unit nurses. Under their MNA union contract, these nurses enjoy better job security and benefits compared to non-union hospitals, like MGH. The contract prevents forced transfers, ensuring nurses are retained at BWH.

Legacy at Brigham

One of the critical features of the opposition against the burn unit's relocation is the legacy of care excellence established by generations of Brigham nurses. The nurses have made it clear that historical knowledge and institutional culture surrounding burn care have developed significantly at BWH. The removal of burn services threatens to erase this hard-earned legacy.

Nurses state that this idea of consolidation is primarily driven by financial considerations, rather than genuine patient needs, casting doubts on whether such a move is truly warranted or beneficial. The sentiment shared among the nurses is that the decision appears to prioritize corporate interests over the well-being of patients.

The Fight Continues

In response to the concerns raised, BWH nurses have pledged to fight diligently to ensure that specialized burn care remains available at Brigham. Kelly Morgan stated, "Our expertise in this field is irreplaceable, and we refuse to let corporate decisions compromise what is best for our patients and our community. We will advocate fiercely to keep this essential service at Brigham."

The Massachusetts Nurses Association, which has been a staunch advocate for nursing practice since its inception in 1903, plans to mobilize resources to combat the proposed relocation, ensuring that the voices of nurses and patients alike are heard throughout the process. The fight for quality patient care is a continuing journey, and Brigham nurses are committed to upholding the standard of excellence that has long been associated with their institution.

Through unity and determination, these nurses aim to maintain the high standards of specialized care that the Brigham has cultivated for decades, putting patient needs first above all else.