Gundersen Health System makes some temporary staff cuts due to COVID-19

Gundersen Health System is temporarily reducing staffing levels across its system through furloughs and reduction in hours for some staff. Specific numbers of staff who will be impacted by furloughs and reduced hours are not yet known. Gundersen will support impacted staff with all available resources.

This decision is another example of how, while health care is extremely important during the COVID-19 outbreak, it also has caused financial stress for many hospitals and health care providers. Gundersen Chief Executive Officer Dr. Scott Rathgaber notes that, "Gundersen has cancelled elective and non-essential procedures and appointments to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 in our communities, conserve protective equipment, and ensure hospital capacity for the surge." That move, which Rathgaber says was necessary, is also one of several factors which have resulted in a 40 percent to 80 percent decrease in business for Gundersen.

While Gundersen is on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19, Dr. Rathgaber says Gundersen and the healthcare industry are not immune to the financial and economic stress caused by the global pandemic. "Furloughs and reduced hours are clearly difficult actions. But these are temporary actions," Dr. Rathgaber said. "We plan to bring staff back to fully serve the needs of our patients and communities when our procedures and appointments can safely return to normal operations."