Washington Group, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Sibery Group are among the private consulting firms that have been hired to help settle the health system’s debt, though PwC has been hired to find cost-savings rather than provide temporary executive talent. For example, last month the system’s COO Tony Tedeschi — a contracted consultant from Sibery Group — stepped down and was succeeded by Carol Schneider from Washington Group.
This year alone, the health system reported a $96 million budget shortfall. According to the report, leaders of the public health system sought out private consulting help amid growing debt, uncertainty over future payments and healthcare reform.
The consultants’ advising in recent years is not without controversy. According to the report, consultants helped propose the shutdown of Oak Forest (Ill.) Hospital, which drew stiff opposition from the public, and layoffs of 1,350 employees, which current employees say was miscalculated.
At the heart of the issue, health system employees worry the consultants’ work prioritizes making money over providing care for the county’s needy and under- and uninsured. Employees have also complained staff morale is low under contracted management, according to the report.
Related Articles on Cook County Health and Hospitals System:
Illinois Board Approves Oak Forest Hospital’s Transformation to Outpatient Clinic
Illinois’ Cook County President Assessing Independent Hospital Board’s Duties
Chicago’s Stroger Hospital Ramps Up Marketing Efforts to Alter Reputation
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