MU Health Care announces layoffs, closure of Hy-Vee quick care clinics as part of ‘organizational redesign’

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

MU Health Care on Wednesday announced that it has laid off 74 employees as part of an "organizational redesign."

In a Wednesday afternoon press release, MU Health Care claimed the reduction in workforce, along with an adjustment of benefits, will "help strengthen the health system’s long-term financial sustainability, improve operational performance and position the organization to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities across Missouri."

Four Hy-Vee Quick Care locations will also be closing, claiming a decline in demand over time. However, the release says the demand for urgent care and primary care services has continued to grow. A slideshow presentation also shows that it plans to add walk-in services to primary care clinics and expand urgent care at Keene Street Medical Center.

The job losses are concentrated primarily in nonclinical and administrative areas, which MU Health claims in the release will minimize the impact on frontline caregivers and clinical staff.

The release says laid-off employees received "individualized support," including information about transition resources, benefits continuation and other internal job opportunities. The release claims more than 500 positions are open at MU Health Care.

The release says MU Health is proposing changes to its employee benefit programs, including retirement contributions, holidays and paid time off. Juneteenth and Veterans Day will now be regular clinic days, instead of being closed, according to a slideshow presentation. Changes are subject to approval by the University of Missouri Board of Curators.

The slideshow presentation also says vacation time and other PTO will be combined into one pool "reducing total paid days off by 3."

Retirement contribution will also see a reduction in matching, from up to 8% to matching up to 6%, according to information sent by employees. 

Some enhancements MU Health Care noted include dependent care assistance, expanded counseling services and new fertility and adoption benefits.

MU Health also laid out initiatives as well. Those included:

• Reducing wait times and improving patient flow.
• Aligning staffing and resources to better serve patients.
• Increasing appointment availability.

Check back for updates.