In addition to causing significant and sometimes deadly health consequences, coronavirus also continues to put a financial strain on Kentucky hospitals. Directives to suspend elective surgeries have resulted in many hospitals being under capacity.
Many Kentucky hospital workers are continuing in their current role as front line caregivers.
But, citing unprecedented medical and operational challenges tied to COVID-19, Baptist Health announced it’s temporarily re-assigning some staff, furloughing others, and reducing pay for hospital executives. The furloughs are being implemented across the eight hospital system, the medical group, and corporate headquarters. Top Baptist Health leaders will take a 20% pay cut while other executives see a 15% reduction.
At UK Hospital, some employees are being redeployed to meet particular care needs and support levels. Still, some staff members can’t be redeployed. These workers will be eligible for unemployment. UK Spokesman Jay Blanton said there’s no firm number yet. He adds currently employees are being surveyed to see who can be redeployed.
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