Health workers lose jobs

0 Comments | La Crosse Tribune, Jun 17, 1998

Franciscan Skemp Healthcare said Tuesday it is eliminating 21 home care jobs in its Home Health Services unit effective July 17 because of a decrease in business volume.

The combination of full- and part-time positions represents 17.2 full-time equivalent jobs, between 10 and 15 percent of the home care staff, said Kevin Buelow, Franciscan Skemp spokesman. Affected are 16 nurses who provide in-home care, two registered nurses in the home health office, a physical therapist and two social workers.

Jobs are not being eliminated in durable medical equipment services or hospice care, the other two parts of the Home Health Services unit, Buelow said.

Officials said the Home Health Services reorganization that resulted in the job cuts does not involve changes in the scope of home care services provided by Franciscan Skemp. Services are provided to clients in their homes.

Franciscan Skemp said in a press release that the reorganization was necessary because of a decrease in volume due to declines in reimbursement for in-home professional services by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance and to reinterpretation of policies governing Medicare-eligible services.

"This was a difficult decision, and it was made after thoughtful exploration of all options," said Richard Berendes, administrator for Home Health Services.

Affected employees have been offered assistance with preparing resumes and other job search activities. They also may consider some positions elsewhere in the organization and will be made aware of available positions at other Mayo Health System facilities.