Board heard about possible Boone Hospital layoffs two months ago

Before the Boone Hospital Board of Trustees went into an executive session Monday night, where they were expected to learn more about the facility’s 50 layoffs, trustee chair Brian Neuner told reporters the board first heard about potential layoffs a couple months ago.

“I think administration was trying to figure out how they wanted to go about it, the areas that would be impacted” said Neuner. “(The board) reached out. We tried to give input, tried to give solutions.”

Earlier on Monday, ABC 17 News confirmed at least 50 people will lose their jobs.

Neuner said the board was disappointed with the outcome.

“50 people lost their job today, and I don’t know that anyone’s taken time to thank them on behalf of Boone Hospital, but I’d like to say the trustees certainly appreciate everything they’ve done for Boone Hospital,” said Neuner. “I mean, we’re the top-ranked hospital in mid-Missouri and those 50 people lost their jobs today, they’re a big part of that, and to no fault of their own, they’re out of a job.”

Neuner went on to say Monday’s announcement demonstrates one reason why alignment talks with University of Missouri Healthcare are in motion.

“I think this might help people understand why we sent out an RFP (request for proposal) and why we were exploring other options,” said Neuner. “I think it might shine a little light on our discussions with MU.”

In August, Neuner told ABC 17 News the board hopes local control makes Boone Hospital stronger and keeps more patients in the area.

The hospital has a lease agreement with Barnes-Jewish Christian, or BJC, through 2020, but that can be changed. BJC must be informed of the change in the lease by the end of 2018.