CIRLCEVILLE – OhioHealth President Tim Colburn said in a statement today that the company is aiming to not furlough workers but instead make cuts to discretionary and capital
spending managing loss that many hospitals in the area are dealing with due to Dewine orders to cancel all elective procedures.
“Cancelling elective procedures was a blow for OhioHealth, area physicians, and for our patients. It was absolutely the right thing to do. But it impacted how we provide care and it certainly negatively impacted our finances. So, we began working on a plan for how we might restore these services even as we planned for a potential COVID-19 surge. The financial implications for OhioHealth Berger Hospital, along with hospitals across our state and across our country have been significant, and in some cases have required organizations to layoff or furlough workers. You have seen examples of this in other
industries as well. Maybe even within your industry or in your own company,” said Colburn.
Colburn said that OhioHealth remains in strong financial position, and as president he is trying hard to avoid layoffs and furloughs but make cuts in other ways.
“As a leader, I understand how painful this can be. We’re working hard to avoid this. I am relieved that OhioHealth remains in a strong financial position, allowing us to protect the employment status of every member of our team until at least June 1. As one of the larger employers in Pickaway County this means a lot to not only our associates, but to other businesses and families in the area. We take this responsibility seriously and know the impact of our decisions go well beyond the walls of our facilities.
Because of our commitment to protecting the employment of our associates, we have been working over the past few weeks to decrease discretionary spending, examine plans for capital commitments, and make decisions about hiring.
We’ve been able to redeploy associates whose jobs have been impacted by the pandemic allowing us to fill open positions, staff up in areas that needed extra support in preparation for a surge, and create new temporary positions as a result of COVID-19. A great example of “new position” is the need to screen everyone who enters our hospitals by taking their temperatures and ensuring they are not presenting with respiratory symptoms. We have filled positions using current associates rather than hire from
outside the organization. This approach has allowed us to keep our associates working.
As mentioned, we’re challenging every member of our team to evaluate discretionary and capital spending. We are shifting timing for capital projects to conserve cash and limiting our spending where we can. Rest assured we are still committed to providing the best, safest care to you and your family, but we’ll be limiting our spending on things that do not directly impact patient care at our facilities.”
Colburn said they are looking forward to getting back to normal operations within the Hospital.
“Trust me when I say we are looking forward to getting back to “normal operations” as soon as it’s safe to do so. As we prepare for this, I want you to know that our decisions are being made thoughtfully, methodically, and transparently here at OhioHealth. I am also challenging our team members to be role models as these restrictions begin to lift. I expect our team to set the example for others by continuing to practice social distancing as required, to be vigilant when it comes to handwashing, and to adhere to
the governor’s recommendations when out in public.”
