TL/DR –
The University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE-CWA Local 9119) organized a rally last month against the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) for moving vital services affecting children to less accessible locations. Over the past year, UCSF has transferred bone marrow treatments and interventional radiology from the Children’s Hospital Oakland (CHO) to San Francisco, posing risks for immunocompromised children battling serious illnesses. The rally, attended by members of the Oakland City Council, county staff, parents, and supporters, called on UCSF to keep specialized pediatric care in Oakland for easier access.
UPTE-CWA Local 9119 and Parent Voices Oakland Rally Against UCSF’s Medical Services Relocation
Last month, University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE-CWA Local 9119) and Parent Voices Oakland joined forces to protest the University of California San Francisco’s (UCSF) shift of essential pediatric services to less accessible locations.
Over the last year, UCSF has relocated bone marrow treatments and interventional radiology from the Children’s Hospital Oakland (CHO) to San Francisco. This move is seen as creating health risks for immunocompromised children battling severe illnesses, including cancer and sickle cell anemia. The relocating of services has been criticized for creating additional difficulties and stress for these families.
Paola Portillo, a UPTE-CWA member and clinical social worker at CHO, voiced her concerns. “Numerous families who used to receive care in Oakland are now forced to travel back and forth across the Bay. This is happening when their child’s immune system is at its weakest. These children and their families do not need extra hurdles to their healthcare. We urge UCSF to keep specialized pediatric care in Oakland, where our community can readily access it.”
The protest attracted support from members of the Oakland City Council, county staff, parents, and other community members. Their collective call is for UCSF to prioritize patients’ accessibility to essential health services.
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