Southside Hospital Worker Fired After Instagram Messages

BAY SHORE, NY — A nursing student was fired from her position at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore Thursday after writing messages on Instagram disparaging Black and Hispanic people.

In the messages, which were obtained by Patch, Emily Patysiak wrote to another employee that the patients at the hospital were all "gang members" who are "Black and Hispanic" and claims they are only treated for gunshot wounds or drinking.

"The fact that my f---ing paycheck goes to these scums is disgusting," Patysiak wrote in one message.

In another message, Patysiak admits to being a racist and claims she will "never marry or date anyone besides a white kid." She also says all Hispanic people and Black people are "lazy" and "part of gangs."

The messages were then shared publicly on Instagram. Patysiak's Instagram account has since been deleted.

Northwell Health, which runs the hospital, issued this statement:

"Understandably, the comments caused hurt, pain and anger among those who saw them," the statement reads. "The views expressed were disturbing and have no place in our organization.

"The employee who was under investigation is no longer with the health system. Northwell condemns and does not tolerate any form of hate, racism, discrimination and harassment. We want to emphasize that all Northwell institutions provide the same high-quality health care to all patients regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or any other personal facet."