Boca Hospital Layoffs

Boca Raton Community Hospital laid off dozens of employees today.
A total of 39 employees were let go, and 28 vacant positions have been eliminated.
The hospital has 21-hundred total employees.
But it's been struggling financially... losing 120 million dollars in 2008.

As part of a continued effort to streamline hospital operations and improve financial performance, Boca Raton Community Hospital has announced a reduction in its current workforce effective today.

A total of 39 employees have been affected. Additionally, 28 vacant positions have been eliminated. Other labor and productivity savings will be achieved through attrition, flexing of work hours, reduction of overtime and work flow improvement. This reduction reflects less than 3% of the existing workforce at BRCH, and is part of a fundamental streamlining of the hospital's organizational structure.

"Our management team worked diligently to minimize the number of individuals that have been affected," said BRCH President and CEO Jerry Fedele. "A layoff was a last resort. Our staffing levels must be reflective of our current patient census in order for us to remain competitive while providing outstanding care."

Employees affected by the layoff are being encouraged to apply for other open positions within the Hospital. They are also receiving severance packages, benefits, post-employment counseling and outplacement assistance.

Administrators made certain that patient care, quality and safety were not impacted through the reductions. Additionally, no direct patient care nursing positions were affected.

"Over the last several months, our team underwent a meticulous review of hospital productivity, labor costs and staffing. We have made a very conscious effort to ensure that our workforce reductions are part of a comprehensive plan to restore the hospital's financial strength," Fedele said.

Administrators have also implemented proactive initiatives, including a focus on core services, expanding and promoting quality and patient satisfaction, the development of a primary care physician network and hardwiring internal process improvements to further bolster the hospital's turnaround.

Today's struggling economy is making it difficult for healthcare facilities nationwide. In fact, according to the latest issue of Modern Healthcare, hospital layoffs continue across the country. Several thousands of jobs have been cut already this year.

"It will take a focused effort for BRCH to return to profitability," Fedele says. "But with our exceptional team of dedicated professionals and the support of our community, we will succeed."