Although the move follows the health system’s decision to abandon merger plans with Evanston, Ill.-based NorthShore University HealthSystem in March, an Advocate spokesperson told Crain’s the hiring freeze is unassociated with the merger proceedings and stems from financial strains pressuring the hospital industry. The organizations scrapped merger plans after a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction to temporarily stall the merger.
In an emailed statement to Becker’s, Bill Santulli, COO of Advocate, said “operating in a state [Illinois] with one of lowest reimbursement rates and significant payment delays due to the lack of a state budget exacerbates the situation” and “motivated us to take proactive steps.”
The freeze affects roughly 300 of 1,700 unfilled nonclinical and management jobs, according to Advocate’s statement.
Editor’s note: This article was updated April 24 at 2:49 p.m. to include a statement from Advocate.
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