Worcester, Mass.-based UMass Memorial Health Care announced its third workforce reduction in less than a year, in which it will eliminate 103 full-time equivalent positions, including some nursing positions, according to a Worcester Business Journal report.
While some employees will be laid off, the loss of 103 positions will also be achieved through reducing employee hours and leaving positions vacant, according to the report. However, a total of 81 nurses, members of the Massachusetts Nurses Association, will lose their jobs June 15.
The system is also eliminating some services on various campuses. For instance, it will no longer offer IV therapy, close three operating rooms and one medical-surgical unit, consolidate infusion services and reduce beds at its Children's Medical Center, according to the report. It will also sell one of its buildings.
In a blog post to employees, UMass' President and CEO Eric Dickson, MD, said the changes are part of the system's need to evolve as the industry changes. "As much as we would like to continue being the one source for all healthcare needs, we need to face the realities of today's healthcare landscape and re-evaluate what it means to provide the right care at the right time and at the right place," he wrote. Patient volumes have dropped, as has demand for some services, which Dr. Dickson credited to the increased emphasis on preventive care and patient wellness.
In December 2013, 40 UMass employees lost their jobs, and 99 more positions were eliminated in January. A total of 285 FTE positions were cut from October 2013 through February, according to the Worcester Business Journal.
UMass recently posted an operating loss of roughly $57 million, and Moody's has downgraded the system's credit from Baa1 to Ba1.
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