Rockledge, Fla.-based Health First is laying off 214 employees amid program cuts, including ending its hospital-at-home program.
The total positions cut represent about 2% of Health First’s 10,350-employee workforce, according to a Sept. 16 news release shared with Becker’s. The four-hospital nonprofit system is Central Florida’s only fully integrated health system.
The cuts primarily affect administrative, management and clerical support roles and the system is continuing to recruit for clinical and other essential positions, according to the release. No hospital or emergency department is closing.
Some clinical positions are affected by changes to specific programs and services. In addition to shuttering its hospital-at-home program, Health First is closing the Viera, Fla., location of the Integrated Care Program. The Health First Medical Group is ending its standalone comprehensive health assessment program. Affected patients are being contacted directly about next steps.
“This was not an easy decision and comes after a careful review of how we can best continue delivering on our mission to improve the health and wellness of the communities we serve,” the release said.
All affected employees will receive a 60-day notice period with full pay and benefits continuing throughout that time frame. The system is also providing job-search support and helping those affected find other positions within the health system.
