Read full text of letter UMC CEO sent to employees regarding today’s layoffs
Below is the full text of letter UMC CEO sent to employees regarding today’s layoffs:
July 25, 2014
Dear Associates,
It is with deep regret that I must inform you that University Medical Center today was forced to reduce the size of its workforce because of mounting budgetary pressures. Fifty-six Associates were laid off today. They will receive severance pay and payment of accumulated vacation time based on hospital policy. Please know that the hospital has not implemented a hiring freeze. UMC’s focus is and will continue to be on the delivery of high quality patient care. This year and next, the Medical Center will continue to hire clinical staff to keep pace with our growing patient volumes and clinical services lines.
This is the first time in my 10 years with the Hospital District that we have been forced to eliminate positions. Please know that this action is in no way a reflection of our Associates’ work. Each of you has contributed so much to our incredible transformation during the last decade. Our patient volumes are at record highs as are our patient satisfaction scores. Our quality measures have exceeded our goals. Our payer mix and market share are both up and UMC’s cash collections have never been higher. You accomplished all of that and I am so appreciative of your efforts, which is why this decision was so very difficult.
UMC is experiencing budgetary pressures because of issues beyond your control, primarily the significant investments we have made in El Paso Children’s Hospital that have yet to be repaid. That’s why we began implementing cash conserving measures early this year. As you have no doubt noted, we have halted all but emergency capital acquisitions, reduced overtime, eliminated open positions and reduced many other overhead and supply expenses. Those measures have not been enough, though, to eliminate the need for additional action. The areas impacted by today’s reduction in force include support and ancillary staff as well as management positions.
The loss of our co-workers is very difficult, but each of us must remember why we are here. The people who rely on UMC for high quality healthcare still need us. They are not the cause of our budget issues. I ask you to please remember that as you interact with your patients. They are the reason we get out of bed each morning and they continue to deserve our all.
Lastly, I want you to know that UMC’s Board and management team are working around-the-clock to identify solutions to the monetary difficulties we face. Our negotiations with our counterparts at El Paso Children’s Hospital continue in earnest.
Sincerely,
James N. Valenti
President & CEO
