Providence has not shared how many employees will be impacted. Those affected by the workforce reduction are being notified this week.
"Health care economics have changed dramatically, and we need to adjust how we operate so we can continue to serve our communities," says Elizabeth DeRuyter, director of external communications for Providence, in a statement.
Providence says it is making an effort to fill already-open positions with employees whose positions were eliminated. Open administrative positions are now closed to external
DeRuyter says this is a result of an industry-wide trend in reduced revenue. Reimbursement rates are not keeping up with the cost of care, she says. While the year-to-date gross income is similar to last year, there have been
In an email sent to all Providence caregivers, Providence explained that payments from Medicare,
"Over the course of 2016, we have experienced significant challenges in our financial performance as a result of those reductions in payment and increased costs," the email reads.
Other efforts to cut operational costs — like holding off on non-critical capital projects and not filling some administrative positions — have not worked, according to Providence. That means the health care system has been forced to additionally reduce a "limited number of filled positions," though exactly how many positions not been shared. Employees are being provided a 60-day notice period if their positions are being eliminated.
"These are always difficult decisions and we are committed to thoughtful review before making any changes," DeRuyter says. "We will not make any changes that have an impact on providing high-quality care to our patients."