The Peru Gazette

PLATTSBURGH, NY (08/4/2020) – The following is a statement from University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) President Michelle LeBeau regarding the hospital’s redesign efforts:

“Like other businesses in this community and across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed our fragile financial picture to the limit. Hospitals across the country are struggling financially- hundreds have closed- and headlines about business closures, bankruptcies and downsizing appear daily in our newsfeeds. For the sake of our patients, our people and our region, we are committed to ensuring we do not become part of those statistics. In order for us to secure our future, we are painting a new picture of CVPH – redesigning how we provide care so we can continue to serve our patients, our people and our community.

“Before COVID-19, we were losing money – about $1 million per month – and by now it is well-documented that the impacts of the pandemic- almost $31 million to date – have been massive and they are expected to rise. We’re projecting a $47 million loss in revenue by the end of this fiscal year and the generous $30 million we’ve received in federal and state support is helping to offset these anticipated losses. We are working hard to recover and keep as many of our folks working. Up to 700 of our employees are participating in the New York State Workshare Program to achieve savings and salaries of leaders, physicians and managers have been reduced. Contributions to their benefits were also either eliminated or greatly decreased. Still, more is needed.

“This redesign will put us in a stronger position. It’s about changing the way that we will deliver care so that while it continues to be done compassionately and is patient-centered, it’s also provided in a fiscally responsible manner. Our goal is to be here for our community, our patients and our people now and in the years to come.

“Our belief is that as we move through the plan, there will be a job for everyone who wants one; although what’s available may look different and may not be what someone will or can choose based on their needs.

“I want to thank everyone who is involved in this redesign – this is not easy, it is scary and uncertainty creates challenges for everyone. I also want to thank our community for its ongoing trust and support as we work through this process – like so many other organizations in our community we are trying to survive these incredibly challenging times.”