The Houston Children’s Hospital, also known as Texas Children’s Hospital, has recently announced layoffs affecting approximately 1,000 employees, which represents about 5% of its workforce.
The hospital cited several reasons for these layoffs, including lower patient volumes and financial challenges.
Specifically, the hospital has experienced a decline in the number of patients seeking care, which has resulted in an operating income loss of nearly $200 million through the first six months of the current fiscal year.
Additionally, the two-week delay in the opening of their new Austin campus, which cost $450 million, contributed to significant financial losses.
The layoffs have been met with concern from former employees, who fear that the reduction in staff may impact the quality of patient care.
Some employees have expressed shock and disappointment at the sudden nature of the layoffs, with one nurse telling KHOU 11 News that she received a call on Tuesday morning informing her that she had been let go.
Despite these concerns, Texas Children’s Hospital has stated that the layoffs should have no impact on the quality of patient care.
The hospital has also emphasized that it is committed to supporting its employees during this difficult time, with plans to provide severance packages and assistance with job placement for those affected by the layoffs.
