The Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) has released a statement on the recent announcement that Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital will no longer be serviced by Steward Health.

This statement comes following the announcement Tuesday evening that the transition services agreement supporting both hospitals will no longer be serviced by Steward Health due to the company's bankruptcy.

The union says it is relieved to see Steward leave.

"After years of gutting care, draining resources and putting profits over patients, this vile company was exposed for what it truly is: a reckless, unaccountable corporation with no place in healthcare," the statement reads.

However, the union goes on to say Steward's exit puts patient care and hospital services at risk. As it stands, Trumbull Regional has stopped accepting new patients in non-emergencies.

"While Mahoning Valley families wait to hear if they'll still have access to life-saving care, Steward's executives are scrambling to protect their own interests. Not one of them has stepped up to take responsibility for the harm they've caused or the chaos they continue to unleash on our hospitals and health professionals," the statement reads.

De Anna Fuchilla, who is the chair of the Hillside Local Unit of ONA is quoted saying Hillside nurses are doing all they can to make sure they get the care they need, but the uncertainty caused by Steward's bankruptcy has created fear and confusion.

"Our patients deserve stability, compassion and a healthcare system that puts them first," Fuchilla said.

ONA President Rick Lucas is also quoted saying a policy change is needed to protect the public from situations like this.

"We need state lawmakers to stand with residents of the Valley and the entire state by taking action now. Enough is enough. It's time for elected officials to create real, enforceable policies that protect patients and our communities from predatory companies like Steward," the statement reads.

You can read much more about the current situation on the two hospitals in our related coverage below. We will also have the latest updates tonight on 21 News at 5 and 6 p.m.

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