Bassett Lays Off 101 Employees as it Addresses $80M Shortfall

By DARLA M. YOUNGS
OTSEGO COUNTY

On Wednesday, October 16, Bassett Healthcare Network eliminated 101 filled positions across the eight-county network, but that may not be the end of the association for some of those employees, according to Bassett President and Chief Executive Officer Staci Thompson.

Thompson sat down on Friday afternoon, October 18, to discuss the layoffs and dispel rumors that more cuts are looming on the horizon.

“The rumors have ballooned to 400 layoffs coming in multiple waves,” Thompson said. “None of that is the truth. No additional widespread cuts are planned.”

Thompson said last week’s layoffs are administrative and that none of those let go were providing direct patient services.

“We eliminated about 100 postings across the entire network as part of efforts to control rising healthcare costs,” Thompson explained. “It is a proactive approach that we’ve undertaken in order to continue to maintain our independence as a community based healthcare system.”

Thompson said Bassett has been working with Huron, a healthcare consulting group, since April, part of an overall improvement plan to ensure that Bassett is healthy for the future.

According to Huron’s website: “In today’s competitive landscape, organizations are under immense pressure to rethink their business models, lower costs and reduce risk. At the same time, they are having to navigate emerging technologies and create personalized, consumer-centric experiences. To remain competitive in the future, organizations must innovate, ideate and engage their people and consumers in new ways to drive value.”