WARREN, Ohio – Potential layoffs are now being discussed a week after Insight Hospital & Medical Center Trumbull announced it would no longer admit some patients because of changes in the contract with a new company now in charge of billing and patient records.
While the emergency room and other departments remain open, an Insight spokesman called the situation a “strategic realignment” that will affect a number of positions, including full-time, part-time and already furloughed roles.
Deborah Bindas, regional director of AFSCME Region 8, said the number of affected employees are not known at this time and reports of 160 could be greatly exaggerated. Bindas said she is meeting Thursday with Insight administrators to get a better grasp of which services are going to be affected and how many employees could be furloughed.
According to a statement from an Insight spokesman, the hospital is “taking proactive steps to strengthen its operations and ensure long-term stability to better meet the needs” of patients.
“Our hospital remains operational, with our Emergency Department open 24/7, providing critical and immediate care. Our outpatient services — including surgery, Cath Lab, radiology, imaging, and rehabilitation – continue to see high patient volumes and will remain a key focus moving forward,” the statement said.
The hospital’s behavioral health department continues to offer inpatient care. Both outpatient locations in Austintown and Cortland continue to provide all outpatient services, and Insight Rehabilitation Hospital Hillside continues to offer both inpatient and outpatient services at its main location, as well as outpatient locations in Austintown and Cortland.
“This transition reinforces the hospital’s strengths and ensures its future as a vital health care provider in the region,” the spokesman said. “We are positioning Insight Hospital & Medical Center Trumbull for long-term success and sustainability. We are grateful for the dedication of our employees and the continued support of our patients and community. Insight remains committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care while adapting to the evolving needs of our region.”
Insight took over the former Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital in November through the Steward Health Care System bankruptcy, which stopped the hospital from a slated closure at that time.
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