Medford, Oregon-based Asante Health Systems, a regional medical network with three hospitals and 36 community-based clinics serving a nine-county region in southern Oregon and northern California, has announced a 3% reduction in force.
The reduction will impact approximately 180 employees in administrative and support positions. It appears that the decision is being driven by ongoing financial losses over the last two years.
According to published reports, "Asante faces an ongoing investigation of alleged drug diversion at its Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. Asante also was ordered by the Oregon District of the U.S. Attorney's Office to pay $430,000 in December to settle allegations of medical fraud."
A company statement noted, "Asante has stated that it will be operating differently to meet current and future healthcare challenges in the wake of these layoffs. With a strategic approach, the health system aims to navigate its way through current financial challenges while continuing to deliver necessary health services to the community."
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. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. 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?