Bend, Oregon-based St. Charles Health System, a private not-for-profit four-hospital network and healthcare company in Central Oregon, has announced a cost-cutting initiative that will result in a reduction in the workforce.
The reduction in force will impact 181 positions, including 105 caregivers, and the elimination of 76 unfilled positions.
The decision was driven by operating losses, reduced revenues, rising supply costs, and the rising cost of contract labor.
According to St. Charles President and CEO Joe Sluka, “For the past two years, our caregivers have taken on and conquered unprecedented challenges to care for our community, which is why it feels particularly unfair that we now find ourselves in this position. While our financial situation isn’t unlike many other health systems around the country, this decision hurts. These are our people."
“It has taken two long years of the pandemic to get us into this situation and it will take at least two years for us to get out of it. But we will. And we will continue to take excellent care of our community now and in the future.”
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?