Aspirus Keweenaw announces staffing adjustments to adapt to economy and market changes
March 3, 2010 in Aspirus News
Aspirus Keweenaw reported today that it will be reducing staff in an effort to adjust to changes in patient volumes and compensation patterns.“We greatly value all of our employees, so that makes some of our current decisions very difficult,” said Chuck Nelson, Chief Executive Officer. “We are working closely with our workers to make this transition as smooth as possible, and we will continue to work hard to ensure that the excellent, compassionate care our patients have come to expect will never be compromised.”
Health care providers are not immune to today’s economic challenges, and Aspirus Keweenaw leadership has made changes to position the organization for success now and in the future. The workforce reductions are a response to a variety of stressors. “Across the country, hospitals are taking financial hits,” Nelson said. “From budget cuts at the state level to the rising number of uninsured patients to consumers passing on elective procedures, it is important for us to prepare now for even leaner times ahead.”
In recent years, Aspirus Keweenaw has been active strategically, aligning with a leading health care system (Aspirus Inc.), establishing the first local low cost walk-in clinic (Aspirus Keweenaw FastCare in Houghton), and partnering with the Quincy Hill Community Health Center to serve the underinsured.
Mick Hagwell, Chief Financial Officer, reported that Aspirus Keweenaw has seen growth in some service areas while others have shown a decline. For example, in 2009, the hospital saw patient volume drop as many patients sought health services in other settings, such as the FastCare clinic. This trend is consistent with reports from other regional health care organizations.
“Health care is not immune to the recession,” Nelson said, “but as a vital community resource, we must operate in a fiscally responsible manner. Consolidating staff is a difficult decision, but we believe it is a necessary step in adapting to change and providing new and innovative ways to offer our community excellent, compassionate care. That focus will never change.”
