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Hernando Today

Lack Of Patients Reason For Hospital Layoffs

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: December 6, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Hospitals need patients.

When not enough people are admitted for illness and injury, medical jobs eventually will be lost.

Kathy Burke, the chief executive officer at Spring Hill and Brooksville Regional hospitals, announced Friday that 40 employees were placed on unpaid leave. The decision was made based on the low activity levels that have affected both hospitals during the past several months.

The move was done "to maintain appropriate staffing levels based upon volume," Burke said.

"We believe we need to be proactive in maintaining a strong organization as a provider of health care services, as a large employer, as a taxpayer and as a member of our economic community," she stated. "Our goal is to continue to provide high quality health care services to our community."

Burke declined to speak on the record while on the phone, but admitted the decision was "painful."

The decision to place the 40 employees on unpaid leave means their benefits will continue until their status changes. It also will not interrupt the "tenure" of those who will return once volumes approach normal levels, Burke said.

Not everyone is expected to return. At least three already have applied for unemployment, according to the Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board.

"Due to the economic conditions with which all businesses are currently confronted - hospitals being no exception - Brooksville and Spring Hill Regional hospitals have adjusted its staffing to better align the organization with existing hospital activity levels," Burke wrote in an e-mail sent to Hernando Today.

She closed by saying the hospitals are "committed to a wise and appropriate use of resources, including our most precious resources, our staff."

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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