Escondido, Calif.-based Palomar Health is planning big changes after reporting a financial loss in the 2024 fiscal year.
Palomar is the largest public health system in California, with two hospital campuses and more than 900 affiliated medical providers. Fitch downgraded the system earlier this year to a "BBB-" after 18 months of weak performance due to deciding volumes and increased labor and supply expenses. On Nov. 27, the system announced a planned workforce reduction.
"This was a profoundly difficult decision that involved careful deliberation," said Diane Hansen, president and CEO of Palomar Health, in a news release. "These steps, while challenging, are necessary to stabilize our finances and prepare us for the future."
Five things to know:
1. Palomar reduced its workforce by 2%, targeting leadership and back office staff roles. Clinical and patient-facing services roles were not affected by the job cuts.
"We are deeply grateful to those impacted for their individual contributions to our organization," said Ms. Hansen. "I am confident that our team's resilience and commitment to our mission will ensure we continue to deliver the extraordinary care our patients trust."
2. The health system decided to reduce the workforce "to ensure a successful financial pathway and to position the organization for a sustainable future in these challenging economic times," according to a press release from the health system.
3. In addition to the workforce reduction, Palomar is "streamlining" leadership roles and working with outside experts to improve operational efficiencies.
4. Palomar has also taken steps to optimize contracts so expenses align with strategic priorities, focused on clinical areas that could make the biggest impact on the community.
5. The health system has already begun working on strategic partnerships for revenue growth through enhanced services and increased patient volume.