Independence Health lays off 53 workers
Independence Health System laid off 53 workers this week, Tom Chakurda, chief marketing and communications officer, confirmed Wednesday, June 28.
“These actions are a reflection of our ongoing and necessary initiatives to address and overcome the economic challenges facing both our system and the healthcare industry as a whole,” Chakurda said in his statement. “We are confident they will result in Independence Health System maintaining its position as one of the premier providers of care in Western Pennsylvania.”
According to an announcement from Ken DeFurio, president and CEO of the newly merged Butler Health and Excela Health systems, to Independence Health employees that was obtained by the Butler Eagle, the number of people affected “is less than one percent of our overall workforce of 7,300.”
In the email to employees, DeFurio wrote 226 positions have been cut since January, beginning at the executive level. The total number of staff reductions included resignations, retirements and elimination of vacant positions, he stated. Earlier this year, 13 managers were terminated from Independence Health to reduce expenses.
