Cooley Dickinson employees fear for hospital's future and co-workers after layoffs
NORTHAMPTON - A third round of layoffs in two years has left many Cooley Dickinson Hospital employees deeply concerned about the hospital's future and the loss of experienced staff.
Hospital officials announced dozens of job losses Tuesday, cuts they say are necessary to close a budget gap of up to $5 million caused primarily by a drop in the numbers of patients seeking treatment.
Many hospital employees knew more layoffs were coming, but the news became official Tuesday.
"Everybody's very nervous, very worried and very concerned about what is happening," said Dr. George R. Bowers, an oncologist at the hospital.
Hospital officials say the latest layoffs are directly related to the weakened economy and hikes in co-payments that have caused consumers to delay their care. Six months ago, the hospital laid off 20-25 employees and negotiated employee concessions on delayed raises, changes to sick time and pensions. In 2008, the hospital laid off or cut hours for 81 employees.
Like others interviewed, Bowers said he doesn't understand all the reasons behind the layoffs, but he said today's economic climate has made working conditions much more difficult for hospitals and doctors like himself.
"The whole thing is extremely confusing," Bowers said, outside the hospital. "I think the economic times are crazy in hospitals, and I don't know what the answer is."
The job and hour reductions, combined with early retirements, will affect registered nurses, licensed nurse practitioners, managers, and non-clinical staff. No senior administrators will be affected by the cuts.
Employees Tuesday lamented the loss of seasoned and important staff. They include a clinical director who had worked at the hospital for more than 30 years and a social worker in the oncology department, among others.
"It's hard to know what's what," said Lorrie Gougeon, an emergency department technician who is acquiring a nursing degree. "We want to know if we're next on the hit list. We're not sure."
Several employees declined to be interviewed for this story for fear they might jeopardize their own jobs. Others said they understand business decisions are necessary for the hospital to remain solvent in today's economy. But they also noted that many employees remain on edge.
Zach Howell, an office worker in the hospital's laboratory, said he learned of the pending cuts in recent weeks through communications from hospital officials. He said hospital leaders have been pretty open about the restructuring and, as far as he knows, he is in one of several departments not affected by the latest job losses.
Even for those who retained their jobs, however, the news was distressing as they arrived to work Tuesday.
"Of course the mood's not good," said Anne Strom, a nurse in surgical day care and recovery who has worked at CDH for 24 years. "I'm worried about our department."
Strom said she had yet to learn about the particulars of the hospital layoffs and how they might impact her department. She also was not alone among employees who said they do not fully understand the hospital's complicated financial position.
"I know we have some kind of a surplus, but is it not enough?" Strom said.
Dan Crowley can be reached at dcrowley@gazettenet.com.
Comments
highest charge
Didn't I read a few weeks ago that CDH is one of the top hospitals that over charge for their services and products?