Salem (Ohio) Regional Medical Center said it is not being bought out by any organization, including Cleveland-based University Hospitals, but it will eliminate10 full-time equivalent positions, according to a Salem News report.
The medical center partnered with UH Seidman Cancer Center on cancer care last year. However, the hospital confirmed a buyout is not in the works.
The partnership with UH Seidman Cancer Center "means that we affiliated with the UH Seidman Cancer Center as one of the nation's top cancer providers to offer local access to advanced cancer care. We remain committed to continuing to serve our patients as an independent, nonprofit community hospital," Anita Hackstedde, MD, medical center president and CEO, told the Salem News via statement.
The hospital is realigning core services due to decreased demand for maternity services. Those efforts include the recent closure of the hospital's maternity ward, as well as plans to close Salem Women's Health Partners for gynecology and obstetrics on June 30, according to the report. Dr. Hackstedde said the hospital's "investment in outpatient primary care services, world-class cancer care, advanced orthopedics, and state-of-the-art specialty and diagnostic capabilities are [also] important parts of our strategic plan that align SRMC with the growing demand for these services."
Amid the realignment, SRMC plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 26 full-time equivalents. Dr. Hackstedde said most of the reductions will take place by decreasing hours and not filling open positions. Ten full-time equivalent positions will be eliminated.
"Staff reductions and/or reduced work hours are focused on areas that should not have a significant impact on patient care, with the exception of those affected by the maternity unit's recent closure. The majority of these staff adjustments will occur in nonclinical departments as we realign our workforce and services to focus on the needs of our aging population and address the region's growth in cancer, chronic disease and outpatient demand for improved population health and wellness. Although these decisions are extremely difficult, and we do not take them lightly, they will make SRMC a stronger hospital and enable us to enhance our services and respond to the needs and preferences of our communities," she said.
The medical center attributed the job cuts and service realignment to challenges from national healthcare industry trends such as the move toward outpatient care and reduced reimbursement from third-party payers. At the same time, Dr. Hackstedde said the hospital is experiencing local changes as a result of an aging population and increasing demand for chronic disease care.
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