ISHPEMING - A recent restructuring at Bell Hospital has resulted in the loss of seven positions, the reassignment of four others, and elimination of a wellness program, resulting in cost savings of at least $282,000.
"We did a modest restructuring to make sure our resources were aligned with patient care," said Ruth Solinski, vice president of organizational development at Bell.
Solinksi said the restructing moves were effective June 28 and were part of continual efforts to maintain efficiency at the facility. No further reductions are anticipated.
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Bell Hospital in Ishpeming recently restructured, resulting in the loss of seven positions, reassignment of four others and elimination of a wellness program in an effort hospital officials said was aimed at aligning the facility’s resources with patient care. (Journal file photo)
"We cut one program," Solinski said. "We cut out our Bell Wellness Service offering."
Solinski said the jobs of three trainers were eliminated with the program cut.
She said the program lost about $32,000 last year. Solinski said the revenue generated by the program did not cover expenses.
In addition, four mid-level management positions were cut and the duties of those workers were absorbed by other hospital personnel.
"We were staffed above industry benchmarks," Solinski said.
Those cuts were expected to save a total of about $250,000, Solinski said.
In addition, transcription services at the hospital were outsourced and as a result, four workers were reassigned duties within the Bell Hospital organization including those associated with medical records and patient processing.
Bell Hospital employs 510 workers.
John Pepin can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206.