University of Chicago hospital prepares for nurses strike

CHICAGO (AP) - The University of Chicago Medical Center prepared for a walkout by about 2,200 nurses by diverting ambulances and moving patients.

The nurses say they plan to strike Friday because of the breakdown of contract negotiations between their union and the hospital.

Although the nurses say the strike will last only a day, hospital officials have told the nurses to stay away until Wednesday because temporary nurses have been contracted to take their places until then.

The nurses have been without a contract since April. They're seeking lower nurse-to-patient ratios and say they're being forced to work overtime.

In preparation for the strike, the 618-bed hospital reduced services. Chief nurse Debra Albert says the hospital moved dozens of babies and children under intensive care to other hospitals.