ABILENE, TX – Abilene Reginal Medical Center has confirmed they will be placing a select number of medical staff on furlough. Hospital staff across the state are dealing with these changes after Governor Abbott signed an order postponing elective surgeries to make room for patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
According to KTXS, last Tuesday the station received information from an ER nurse at the hospital claiming she had been taken off the schedule from Abilene Regional ER.
After reaching out to Abilene Regional, the hospital confirmed via email they would be reducing the amount of staff that is currently working.
"A very small number of individuals in areas where services have been curtailed or suspended were placed on furlough,” stated Director of Marketing Delores Cox.
The exact number of furloughed staff was not disclosed, and sources confirmed the hospital has reassigned staff. Some are being encouraged to take a vacation.
Hendrick Medical Center confirmed they wouldn’t lay off employees but stated changes are being implemented.
"We have not furloughed any employees. Hours have been reduced in some areas due to decreased volumes," said Director of Communications Lynn Bruton. "We are actively cross-training these staff members to prepare for the surge and providing alternative work arrangements for them."
In a press conference, Hendrick Medical Center CEO Brad Holland addressed the issue of staff cutbacks.
"This has taken an economic toll on Hendrick as well with 50-percent of the volume decreasing," said Hendrick CEO Brad Holland. "That's a financial hit and healthcare is not immune."
Medical staff across the country are facin similar changes during the pandemic.
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