Cape Fear Valley Health will temporarily furlough approximately 300 employees effective Sunday.
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Cape Fear Valley Health will temporarily furlough approximately 300 employees starting Sunday to reduce spread of the new coronavirus, officials said Friday.
A news release from Cape Fear Valley Health stated that the health system has already temporarily closed some services and rescheduled nonessential surgeries, procedures or diagnostic testing.
“The closures have allowed the health system to protect our patients and employees and focus care on those who need it most,” officials said.
Those closures and changes during the coronavirus pandemic have reduced emergency department visits by about 25% and inpatient stays by about 34%, officials said.
“This reduction in occupancy will help the medical center accommodate the surge expected in the days ahead,” said Mike Nagowski, chief executive officer of Cape Fear Valley Health. “We are grateful to the community for their efforts to stay home and practice social distancing.”
Officials said the employees will be allowed to use their accrued paid time off.
Nurses and nursing assistants in affected areas will be offered temporary positions at the health system’s hospitals.
Qualified furloughed employees will be offered temporary positions at their normal pay rate as the number of patients seeking care for COVID-19 increases, officials said.
Full-time employees will continue to receive health insurance benefits, with the health system paying premium costs during the furlough.
Health insurance for the employee’s family members will also continue for those who selected coverage of family members during the annual open enrollment period.
“The continuation of health insurance will ensure our furloughed employees and their covered family members can continue their medications and seek medical care when necessary without financial burden,” Nagowski said. “We want them to stay healthy and safe during this difficult time. We look forward to welcoming each one back to the Cape Fear Valley family once this pandemic subsides and we are able to open all our services to full capacity.”
Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at [email protected] or 910-486-3528.
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