Columbia, Mo.-based MU Health Care has reduced its workforce by 74 employees as it implements an organization redesign aimed at strengthening its long-term financial sustainability.
Six things to know:
1. The reductions were primarily in nonclinical and administrative areas, with a goal of protecting patient care and reducing the impact on clinical staff and front-line workers, according to a June 17 health system news release.
2. As part of the redesign, MU Health Care will close its four Hy-Vee Quick Care locations on Aug. 1. The clinics operate within Hy-Vee grocery stores. Evolving patient care needs have led to declining demand for quick care services, while urgent care and primary care service demand has grown, the release said.
3. The operational and workforce changes are designed to improve operational performance, and strengthen long-term financial sustainability amid industry challenges including reimbursement pressures, changing patient expectations, workforce dynamics and increasing operational complexity.
“Health care is changing rapidly, and our organization must evolve with it,” CEO Ric Ransom said in the release. “These decisions are difficult, but they are necessary to ensure MU Health Care remains strong, competitive and capable of serving patients and communities for generations to come.”
4. The workforce decisions were informed by organizational needs and management structure. Affected employees received support through internal job opportunities and other transition resources as more than 500 roles remain open across the system, the release said.
5. MU Health Care is also proposing changes to certain employee benefit programs including retirement contributions, holidays and paid time off.
The proposal, subject to approval by the University of Missouri Board of Curators, also includes enhancements including dependent care assistance, expanded employee assistance program counseling services and new fertility and adoption benefits.
6. In addition to the workforce and benefits changes, the system is implementing initiatives to improve access, including optimizing schedules to increase appointment availability, reducing wait times and improving patient flow.
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