Hennepin Healthcare cuts job announcement affects about 100 employees, the system said as it closes or integrates several standalone clinics and services to stabilize finances.
The health system said it will shift senior care, sleep screenings and medical treatments for interventional pain into primary care, and it will transition nursing home services to other systems.
Chiropractic, acupuncture and additional interventional services will be referred to external providers, and medical and surgical weight management services will be reduced and integrated into the Clinic and Specialty Center, Hennepin Healthcare said.
A statement from Hennepin Healthcare said affected employees have already been notified and that safe, high-quality care will continue during the transition; patients with scheduled appointments should keep them until told otherwise.
Financial Context And County Oversight
Hennepin Healthcare described the cuts as part of a broader, long-term effort to stabilize its finances and protect core clinical services and care capacity, the system said during its announcement.
Co-Administrator Dr. J. Kevin Croston told reporters the county health system faces serious financial strain, warning that "the county health system is actually in real jeopardy this time." He said federal support has declined across the county and the health system.
Officials said the changes follow a period of county intervention. Earlier, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners voted to take back control of Hennepin Healthcare amid the financial crisis, and the takeover tasked the county administrator with developing a report to determine next steps.
Dr. Croston said officials do see a path forward but acknowledged that "it's going to take some work," while Hennepin Healthcare said it will provide quick and clear guidance to help patients continue care through referrals and other providers.
