IU Health LaPorte Hospital released this list of frequently asked questions and answers on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, a day after announcing that 112 hospital employees have been terminated:

What is the breakdown of staff positions let go?

   The reduction in staff did not change our nurse-to-patient ratio, which remains one of the best in the industry. The reduction was not equal in all areas of the organization. The decision had a large focus on management positions, which were primarily at the IU Health LaPorte Hospital campus.

How many people are still employed at IU Health LaPorte Hospital?

   After the cuts, approximately 1,800.

What is the nurse-to-patient ratio?

   Our ratio is determined exactly the same today as it was before the reduction. The calculation used is based on the acuity and needs of each patient.

How many patients does the hospital serve every year?

   IU Health LaPorte Hospital sees approximately 6,000 inpatient discharges per year. We also see 110,000 plus outpatient visits per year.

What services will be reduced or canceled?

   We are not reducing our services offered. We are growing our outpatient services to align ourselves with the ever-changing needs of healthcare.

Are you confident that the reductions will help the organization stave off future employee reductions?

   At this time there are no future reductions anticipated.

How does this affect patient care?

   Nurse-to-patient ratio will remain the same to assure exceptional quality of care. Our ratio continues to be one of the best in the industry.

How does this affect patient costs?

   The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have cut our reimbursement, forcing us to cut our costs while maintaining the high quality of care that the community has come to expect from our organization, essentially requiring us to do more with less. This decision is a cost-cutting measure that will ultimately result in lower costs of healthcare, driving down the price for patients.

Why now?

   Over the last few years, we have taken alternative measures to reduce costs when other hospitals were cutting staff. Although our efforts were positive, unfortunately, the decision had to be made so we can continue to provide the same quality of care in the future.

How was it determined which staff would be let go?

   We have an internal process in place that considers many factors.

If staff reduction is necessary, why is IU Health LaPorte Hospital continuing to purchase additional properties/facilities/physician practices?

   Healthcare reform has changed the landscape of healthcare, requiring us to change as well. Patients will be driven to choose outpatient services rather than inpatient. We must adapt to meet this need and continue to deliver quality, local care. We will continue to invest in technology, equipment and new services for the health of our community.

Are physicians being let go as well?

   This decision will not affect our physician staffing levels.

Are these layoffs permanent?

   Since this is a reduction in staff, not a layoff, there are no recall options.

When was the last layoff at the hospital and was it this many people?

   The last recorded reduction in forces was in April 1984. The numbers were less, but very close in percentage of employees. In 1984 we reduced our workforce by approximately 5 percent. This reduction was approximately 5.8 percent.

Does this affect Starke Hospital?

   No, IU Health Starke Hospital (in Knox) was not affected.

How long has administration known this was going to happen, or when did they start discussing it?

   We have known for some time that we needed to reduce our costs. Throughout the last few years we have taken every possible measure to reduce our operating expenses to avoid this decision. This was an internal process that was not taken lightly.

Can you give an example of ways you previously reduced costs?

   We participate in many cost-cutting measures, including reduced purchasing costs through our affiliation with IU Health for medical supplies, equipment and other items. We have also made reductions in operating budgets throughout the entire organization. Additionally, we have imposed reductions in hours for non-clinical staff and flex hours for clinical staff to try to avoid this decision.

Are these cuts because of IU Health affiliation?

   No, they are not. This is an operational issue and a decision that we are dealing with locally.

What is the relationship with IU Health?

   LaPorte Hospital became an affiliate of Clarian Health back in January 1998. In January 2011, Clarian Health changed its name to Indiana University Health. Along with that, LaPorte Regional Health System changed its name to Indiana University Health LaPorte Hospital. All the other IU Health affiliates and partners have followed suit as well.

Final thoughts?

   We are very saddened by this turn of events and the loss of good people. Our hearts are with those families affected by these reductions and are referring to WorkOne and the Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce for assistance in job searches. Please know that we did not take this decision lightly. We have an unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality healthcare with caring personnel and highly skilled physicians, and remain dedicated to our mission to improve the health of the communities we serve.