Since the start of the pandemic, the healthcare industry has been faced with many complex new challenges. As COVID - 19 has created a shift in our economy, this has even affected hospitals. While many staffed up roles related to handling the pandemic (ICUs, respiratory care, urology, etc), they cut less critical roles to open up their budgets for front-line employees, equipment, and other new costs. Locations across the country have been faced with having to announce furloughs and layoffs, as well as make spending cuts.

Butler Health System, Butler, PA
Butler Health System announced in mid June that there would be 57 positions laid off with 10 positions furloughed. Along with the transition to layoffs and furloughs, there have also been an elimination of 60 positions that were previously vacant and now will be eliminated all together. COVID - 19 has created many challenges for healthcare systems, including financial stresses. As noted in Butler Health System’s statement, “Increased costs have combined with severely decreased revenues, resulting in BHS losing tens of millions of dollars over the past several months.”

Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI
By the end of June, Michigan Medicine laid off 738 positions due to the financial challenges they were facing from the pandemic. Originally, Michigan Medicine anticipated to furlough 1,400 positions as of May but this number was altered through the healthcare systems’ economic recovery plan. Mary Masson, Michigan Medicine’s spokesperson, shared “These challenging but carefully considered actions will help Michigan Medicine continue to provide hope and healing to our patients and allow us to continue to support our clinical, educational, and research missions.”

Trinity Health Michigan, Livonia, MI
Trinity Health Michigan announced furloughs and layoffs for 1,000 positions, which began at the end of June and will run through the month of July. Mike Slubowski, CEO and President discussed the restructure and resizing that has come about due to the changes brought on by COVID - 19. Slubowski continued to share, “Unfortunately, this requires additional colleague transitions - including position eliminations and severances, extended to new furlough and extended or new reductions in schedules.” Non - clinical and administrative positions will be affected through these changes.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR
Through the impact of COVID - 19, Arkansas Children’s Hospital have decided to announce different spending cuts and layoffs. Layoffs will consist of 25 positions, with 17 of them being unfilled. Arkansas Times released a list from Executive Vice President, Fred Scarborough providing details on different cost saving measures that will be taken.

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