UT Health East Texas furloughs employees, cuts hours

Employees of UT Health East Texas are currently seeing many changes in scheduling, hours, and pay. The healthcare system reported that with an order to cancel elective procedures and surgeries, and fewer regular patients visiting the facility, the company is facing a significant economic impact. UT Health East Texas's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tom Cummins, stated in a news conference last Thursday, "I think every system across the country is having to look at what they have to do to continue to provide care and services in this rather challenging environment."
UT Health expressed in a media statement that families and businesses alike are feeling the stress and financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Hospital systems are particularly challenged as we seek to balance the resources needed to care for our sickest patients against the economic impact of ‘stay-at-home’ orders... To address these challenges and ensure the stability of this organization, we have made some difficult decisions with detailed attention to the best options for our impacted caregivers,” the company reported.
According to UT Health East Texas President and CEO, Moody Chisholm, they have striven to realign services and make staff changes, rather than eliminate positions to offset financial losses. These staff changes include cuts to employee hours, along with furlough for some employees. This will affect approximately 10% of the company’s staff. UT Health stated that although they anticipate the furlough lasting 90 days, some employees may be called back to work sooner if needed.
“UT Health is assisting each affected caregiver with applications for unemployment benefits and the weekly federal subsidy that, in most cases, replaces their entire salary. Furloughs also allow our employees to retain their paid time off benefits. In solidarity with our caregivers, senior executives locally and at corporate are taking a reduction in pay,” the company said.
UT Health states that they are committed to continuing to provide care to citizens through this pandemic crisis. “We know this is a difficult time for workers and families alike. We look forward to a return to normal services, worked hours and paychecks for our employees. In the meantime, UT Health East Texas hospitals and clinics remain open and prepared to treat all healthcare needs.”
In order to maintain patient connections during this time, healthcare providers are offering telehealth visits to patients so that they may care for them in the safety and comfort of their homes. For more information about these options, visit uthealtheasttexas.com or call 903-596-DOCS.