CHI St. Alexius Health, based in Bismarck, N.D., has laid off 23 employees and will close its inpatient pediatric and rehabilitation units, according to a Bismarck Tribune report.
Here are five things to know about the layoffs and department closings.
1. CHI St. Alexius attributed the layoffs and department closings to new care models and reimbursement methods in healthcare, and a low number of patients being admitted to the two units.
"These are difficult decisions and, while we regret having to reduce our workforce and close two inpatient units, the actions will enable us to continue to focus our commitment on providing quality patient care in our core service areas," Kurt Schley, CHI St. Alexius Health Market CEO, said, according to the report. "Industry trends and other circumstances create a need to change the job assignments of some associates or reduce the current workforce," he added.
2. The layoffs represent less than 1 percent of the organization's workforce.
3. CHI St. Alexius said the layoffs did not affect direct patient care, and associates in patient care units were asked to relocate to other patient care areas within the organization.
4. The organization is also working with Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health to coordinate care for patients.
5. CHI St. Alexius will continue to provide emergency department, laboratory and radiology services, outpatient surgery and pediatric rehabilitation.
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