Jackson, Miss. – August 30, 2010 - Baptist announces organizational leadership and staffing changes today as part of a company-wide initiative to optimize operations, improve cost effectiveness and provide superior customer service. Providing quality patient care is at the forefront of all our efforts.
For the past four months, staffs at all levels have been communicating and working through a strategic performance improvement process to reduce costs without compromising quality in patient care. This process has concluded, and Baptist is now implementing these changes.
Over half of the cost reduction relates to supplies, equipment and contracts. Also included in the long and difficult review of all processes, was the elimination of approximately 200 positions representing 5 percent of Baptist’s workforce. The majority of the people in positions affected by this reorganization have the option to apply for vacant positions at Baptist. For those who choose not to move to a vacant position, or who are unable to move to a position, Baptist is offering a severance package with full medical benefits for the severance period and EAP assistance.
As part of the reorganization, Baptist is relocating its Pediatric Outpatient Services to the Same Day Surgery Unit. Most pediatric patients stay less than 24 hours making their stay an outpatient visit. The relocation of outpatient pediatric cases to the Same Day Surgery area will make it easier for our young patients and their families to get the care they need. For the past five years, our outpatient volume has steadily grown.
For the past 100 years, Baptist has committed to responsible stewardship of all our resources in order to serve our community with quality healthcare. With the improved operational performance we can achieve from this new structure, Baptist is well prepared to continue in this role for the next 100 years.