02/09/09 Bend
 
In early January, Cascade Healthcare Community leaders announced a plan to reduce expenses for the organization in light of the global economic crisis. That plan outlined short-term steps including a 5 percent reduction in pay for all salaried employees and a mandatory day off each month for hourly employees along with reductions in travel, construction projects and more.
 
At that time CHC also announced its intention to make long-term changes including the reduction of staff to ensure CHC's strength and viability for the future.
 
Today, CHC President and CEO Jim Diegel announced that the health care system is taking long-term steps to improve financial performance including a staff reduction of 74 caregivers and reduced hours for 45 additional caregivers. The layoffs constitute about 2.3 percent of CHC's total workforce and when combined with the hour reductions result in a cost-savings of about $6.2 million annually for the organization.
 
"We know how difficult this news will be for our caregivers and their families. We sympathize and thank them for their contributions to the organization," Diegel said. "CHC will work with these individuals to ease the transition as best we can."
 
When making decisions about reductions, CHC's leadership focused first on overhead and management to avoid impacting patient care. As always, CHC leaders will continuously review services and will adjust as needed to the ever-changing market conditions and financial climate.
 
"Through all of this CHC is maintaining its dedication to providing patients with top-quality health care services," Diegel said. "Our focus at this time is on fulfilling our mission and strengthening our organization for the future."