UnityPoint Health recently announced some cut backs and salary reductions due to COVID-19 challenges, but does that affect Greene County Medical Center as an affiliate?

In a press release, UnityPoint said they were going to reduce certain team members, limiting furloughs and reducing salaries with executives. However, Greene County Medical Center Interim CEO Tracy Warner sheds some light on whether or not UnityPoint’s decision impacts the medical center.

“We’re not obligated, as a rural affiliate, to follow that direction. We look to UnityPoint for examples on some of the things as it relates to clinical protocols and things like that. But there’s no obligation to follow any directive from UnityPoint.”

Warner points out, the medical center took steps to reduce some services of the hospital as the virus was spreading across the state.

“Some staff have seen their hours reduced by the lack of elective surgeries, procedures and clinic visits. So we’ve given the employees the opportunity to help with employee screenings (for COVID-19) and other opportunities as needed. And we’ve also given some employees the opportunity – that are non-clinical staff – to work remotely. We just want to make sure our team members know that they’re our biggest asset and we appreciate all that they are doing during the pandemic.”

Warner adds, they also use UnityPoint for any financial assistance with certain programs to help alleviate some of the financial burden that the medical center may be challenged with during the COVID-19 outbreak.