The New York nurses replaced by AI: ‘It should concern every patient who cares about quality of care’ - The Guardian

According to a report in The Guardian published on July 13, 2026, 12 nurses at Montefiore hospital in New York have been laid off and replaced with AI-powered software, according to the New York State Nurses Association. The union stated that the nurses were providing direct patient care and that their positions were eliminated as part of a cost-cutting initiative.

The union expressed strong concern that the AI system cannot replicate the clinical judgment and empathy of human nurses. A union representative is quoted as saying, "It should concern every patient who cares about quality of care." The union emphasized that patient safety could be compromised by the replacement. They stated that the affected nurses had been providing essential care to patients.

It highlights the growing trend of automation in healthcare, driven by financial pressures. The situation has drawn attention from labor and patient advocacy groups. The case may influence future discussions about the appropriate use of AI in medicine.