PeaceHealth has begun another round of layoffs, impacting skilled caregivers across its hospital system. The staffing reduction is the third such move in the past nine months.
The Oregon Nurses Association strongly condemned the decision. ONA spokesperson Kevin Mealy said it could affect more than 150 positions system-wide -including as many as four hospice nurses in Lane County.
“These are skilled individuals who give dying patients and their families dignity and freedom during the final stages of life,” Mealy said. “It’s really a sacred calling for those nurses who provide this essential care. And that’s what we’re losing with these layoffs.”
KLCC has learned a team of licensed clinical social workers at PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center have also received layoff notices Thursday.
In a statement provided by PeaceHealth, the hospital system explained its decision.
“After extensive analysis and careful consideration, PeaceHealth has made the difficult decision to reduce roles systemwide, affecting less than 1% of our workforce.”
The statement includes a line expressing gratitude to every caregiver who has contributed to PeaceHealth’s mission.
The PeaceHealth statement continues, “this necessary realignment reflects the changing needs of our growing communities, ongoing financial pressures to reduce costs and our commitment to advancing the health and well-being of those we serve. By reimagining how we deliver care, we strengthen our ability to reinvest in our communities and fulfill our promise to bring hope, healing and peace.”
Mealy said PeaceHealth executives put profits ahead of patients’ needs. “This is evidenced by PeaceHeath’s decision to close Eugene’s only hospital in 2023, they’ve conducted repeated mass layoffs over the last year and they are currently trying to outsource our community’s emergency care,” he said.
“Fewer frontline caregivers does not mean there will be fewer patients,” Mealy said. “These cuts mean longer waits and lower quality healthcare for everyone.”
