Bend, Ore.-based St. Charles Health System has cut down on travel nurses, delaying patient care in at least one instance, KTVZ reported April 5.
A woman told the news station her husband's surgery was canceled hours before it was scheduled; according to his physician, the hospital had laid off "most" traveling nurses, leaving it short-staffed. The physician told her it would be faster to seek treatment elsewhere, the woman alleged.
"St. Charles is actively working to reduce its reliance on expensive contract labor as part of its pandemic recovery plans," Iman Simmons, the health system's COO, told the news station in a statement. "Retaining our highly trained workforce and recruiting new permanent staff are one of the key strategies necessary to our long-term financial viability, as well as the continued provision of the highest quality of patient care."
Ms. Simmons said the health system is constantly monitoring staffing levels and adjusting procedure schedules when necessary. However, its vacancy rate for nursing positions is the lowest it has been in several years.
Becker's has reached out to St. Charles Health System for comment and will update this story if more information becomes available.