UnityPoint Health Reducing Some Staff Hours, Implementing Limited Furloughs, Reducing Executive Salaries

UnityPoint Health announced on Tuesday a temporary reduction in hours for certain team members, limited furloughs and salary reductions for executives.

In the press release, UnityPoint says that like health systems across the nation, UnityPoint Health hospitals and clinics are facing unprecedented challenges and volume declines as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic.

“The COVID-19 crisis has challenged UnityPoint Health as a care provider and as an employer,” said UnityPoint Health President and CEO Kevin Vermeer. “While we remain focused on providing the best care possible for our patients, it’s critical we conserve our resources wherever possible. These changes in our workforce are needed to ensure we can continue meeting the healthcare needs of our communities into the future.”

UnityPoint Health determined additional measures were needed to focus resources and optimize the response to COVID-19.

These additional measures will go into effect on April 26. UnityPoint Health is implementing the following changes:

• Short-term, limited reduction in hours for administrative, support, ancillary and clinical team members and leaders;
• Reduction in hours available to work or furloughs for those areas that are not operating at capacity or experiencing closures; and
• 15% average reduction in executive pay.

UnityPoint Health is providing resources to affected team members which include continuation of benefits and financial assistance resources where applicable.

“Our people have been and will continue to be our focus,” said Vermeer in the press release. “We recognize the impact this has on them and their families and will do all we can to support them through this and come out stronger as a team and a healthcare provider.”