IOWA CITY, IA – In an effort to reduce expenses during a bad economic climate, University of Iowa Health Care plans to trim the size of UI Hospitals and Clinics' 6,600-member work force by eliminating some filled positions.
Jean E. Robillard, MD, vice president for medical affairs for UI Health Care, said the positions being eliminated would result from normal attrition, normal retirements and layoffs. In addition, many vacant positions will remain unfilled.
"We regret the necessity of these difficult decisions, and have worked very hard to avoid having to take these steps," said Robillard. "Although we have decreased the cost of supplies and eliminated more than $23 million in costs this year, it has not been enough. The overall economic situation has had a major impact on UI Health Care. We have tried to be as innovative as possible in seeking out ideas for cost reduction and promptly implementing them."
Robillard said that UI Health Care will continue its existing practices of soliciting employee suggestions for reducing expenses, re-assigning qualified staff to areas of increased need, ongoing re-organization and work re-design efforts, as well as seeking further supply chain savings.
He further stated that UI Hospitals and Clinics is evaluating additional alternatives to achieve a further two percent reduction in its operating costs.
"We are very focused on preserving our mission of excellence in patient care, education and research," Robillard said. "To do that, we must achieve a balanced budget with at least a one percent operating margin. That is the minimum needed to assure that UI Health Care continues to serve Iowans with the exceptional care they expect and deserve."
