FARGO, N.D. – Essentia Health announced plans to layoff non-medical staff as the hospitals prepare for the expected surge of COVID-19 patients in the communities it serves.
According to a release, the plans include redeploying staff to care for patients while responding to the significant financial impacts caused by a reduction in services due to the pandemic. As a result, 500 of its 14,500 employees who are not involved in direct patient care have been placed on special administrative leave. Staffing levels will continually be evaluated and adjusted as needs evolve.
To slow the spread of the virus and preserve valuable personal protective equipment, Essentia Health has postponed elective surgeries and procedures. It has also closed some clinics and postponed routine appointments. Even with the new ability to convert clinic appointments to virtual video visits, patient volumes have declined.
Essentia is providing support for affected staff members by maintaining health insurance for the near term. These employees can take vacation time or paid time off to lessen the financial impact, as well as unpaid leave. They also can apply for unemployment benefits.
Essentia Health serves patients in North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Idaho. It has 15 hospitals, 77 clinics, six long-term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, three independent living facilities, five ambulance services, and one research institute.
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