Vista Medical Center East has furloughed 69 non-medical staff amid financial struggles, impacting its workforce significantly.
The hospital has been struggling financially, especially since it serves many uninsured and underinsured patients. CEO Kevin M. Spiegel mentioned that they need to become a safety-net facility and secure emergency funding from the state to stabilize their finances.
Spiegel explained that these furloughs are a way to cut costs, focusing on non-clinical staff. They just don’t have enough revenue to cover expenses right now. Despite these challenges, Vista remains the only hospital in northeastern Lake County, working hard to find financial stability.
When American Healthcare Systems (AHS) took over Vista 18 months ago, they inherited some debt that needs to be addressed. AHS has invested in new equipment and even provided cash for payroll, but the recent furloughs were unavoidable.
State Senator Adriane Johnson has been closely monitoring the situation. She expressed concern for the furloughed workers and emphasized the importance of having a hospital in Waukegan. She believes healthcare is a human right and is committed to supporting the community.
AHS is also dedicated to keeping the hospital open and financially stable, even if it means making tough decisions like these furloughs. They’re not planning to close the hospital anytime soon.
Spiegel is actively working to turn Vista into a safety-net hospital, which is crucial for the community. He pointed out that Waukegan is economically challenged, with many patients needing care regardless of their insurance status.
Interestingly, while 69 staff members were furloughed, the hospital is still hiring in clinical areas. They recently welcomed 12 new full-time nurses and have more starting soon.
