As the economic shutdowns over COVID-19 continue to grow, a number of East Texas hospitals have been forced to lay off workers in response to their financial hardship.
According to KLTV, East Texas hospitals have opted to make changes to their staffing in response to growing numbers of COVID-19 patients and a decrease of non-COVID-19 patients. As of April 20, Texas reported 18,923 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 477 deaths. Hidalgo
“We have sought to minimize position eliminations by realigning services and making staffing changes including reduction of hours and furloughs,” Moody Chisholm, UT Health East Texas president and CEO, said.
Roughly 10% of UT Health East Texas employees are being impacted by the decision. While the furloughs are generally 90 days long, employees might be asked to return to work earlier if need be. While on furlough, employees will continue to receive normal benefits and paid time off benefits. Individuals who need to apply for unemployment benefits and weekly federal subsidies for income will be given help by the hospital.
Chief medical officer of UT Health East Texas Dr. Tom Cummins said hospitals throughout the nation are re-examining what changes can be made for the good of patients.
“I think every system across the country is having to look at what they have to do to continue to provide care and services in this rather challenging environment," Cummins said during a news conference. Some executives at the corporate level of hospitals are even taking pay cuts, according to a statement by UT Health East Texas.
CHRISTUS Health is also making changes to its employee needs. They are not executing layoffs at this time, but they are making changes to staffing and are offering expanded paid time off and continued health care benefits for furloughed employees.
CHRISTUS Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Anderson said patients suffering from non-COVID-19 issues need to still have a place to come and be treated to prevent unnecessary fatalities from issues like heart disease and diabetes.
“We can’t stop providing care for these people. They need to come to us so we can care for them,” Anderson said.
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