HSHS St. Elizabeth’s reduces hospital staff positions by 21

BELLEVILLE — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital says it has cut 21 management and support staff positions to better align its workforce to changes in the health-care industry.

The measures were effective June 22, according to a statement released this week in response to media inquiries. Nursing positions that provide inpatient care at the bedside were not affected. Eight of the colleagues affected have been offered similar positions at St. Elizabeth’s, the statement said.

The number of affected staff members represents less than 2 percent of the overall workforce and will not affect the number of positions slated to remain in Belleville once the replacement hospital opens in O’Fallon in fall 2017, the hospital said.

St. Elizabeth’s said it is working closely with those affected to assist in their transition to find other employment within HSHS hospitals or in the communities where they live.

The statement said the moves ensure the hospital’s “ability to invest in the people, skills, equipment and new technology needed to continue the hospital’s healing mission of providing high quality Franciscan health care into the future.”

HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is part of the Southern Illinois Division of Hospital Sisters Health System, which also includes HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland.

— From the Illinois Business Journal