(March 31, 2010; Henderson, Nev.). St. Rose Dominican Hospitals announced today a market-wide restructuring of services and the elimination of 57 jobs throughout the three hospitals, mostly in supervisory and support areas. Those employees affected were notified by supervisors on Wednesday, along with the rest of the organization’s workforce.
St. Rose officials cite the economic downturn as the reason for restructuring and layoffs. “Many in our communities now lack insurance, are postponing elective procedures and are even unable to afford basic care, said Rod Davis, president/CEO of St. Rose Dominican Hospitals. “In addition, the state has reduced or eliminated access to reimbursement sources for the indigent such as the Indigent Accident Fund, Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) fund, and Medicaid.”
Most of the positions eliminated are administrative, and will not affect direct patient care at the hospital. Hospital administration will work with employees and their union representatives to discuss what further measures, if any, may be necessary.
“Our employees are our most important resource and because of that this was a very difficult decision to make, Davis said. “However, this effort along with other cost saving measures and a reorganization of services across the market will help us remain strong.”
The restructuring involves consolidating all obstetric and neonatal care in Henderson at the Siena Campus (St. Rose is working with union partners to determine the last day of maternal child services will be offered at Rose de Lima) as well as consolidating all acute care pediatrics at the Siena Campus (St. Rose is working with union partners to determine when the last day of acute care pediatric services will be offered at San Martín). Maternal child services at San Martín will not be affected by this change. The existing Maternal/Child unit at Rose de Lima will be converted to medical/surgical rooms.
In addition, intermediate care and general medical services at Rose de Lima will be will be relocated within the hospital to create unit adjacencies designed to enhance patient care and operational efficiencies. The area vacated by the Intermediate Care Unit will be converted to an Observation/Holding/Chest Pain Unit. The Rose de Lima Acute Rehabilitation Unit will be expanded from 14 to 21 beds and will help support new program offerings. Most of the affected rooms at Rose de Lima will be converted from semi-private to single patient rooms and the expenses for these updates will be philanthropically funded.
Prior to deciding on a restructure plan, St. Rose also reduced budgets for purchased services, sought greater cost savings in the purchase of supplies, and renegotiated contracts.
