Mercy's task force continues its work after recent layoffs

After the recent elimination of two positions at Mercy Hospital Fort Scott, a task force continues its work exploring options for Mercy's future.

Mercy announced in a news release Monday that in response to economic and environmental changes in health care, Mercy has implemented a workforce reduction across its seven-state region. The reduction is limited to non-patient care support areas.

On Tuesday, Mercy spokeswoman Tina Rockhold said she could not release the names of the employees laid off or their positions but did say Mercy is not looking at any further staff reductions in the near future.

"We had one full-time coworker in Fort Scott," she said. "The other position served in both Fort Scott and the Independence community. No further reductions are seen in the near future."

A task force formed in April has been working since then to research and discuss Mercy's options in a changing health care environment. Mercy Hospital Fort Scott President Reta Baker has said that a public meeting could take place once the task force has completed its work and is ready to share information with the public. The task force will ultimately make recommendations to Mercy leaders.

The next meeting of the task force is set for July 24, Rockhold said.

"No recommendations have been made, only more research and homework has been assigned," she said. "They are still working diligently to make recommendations."

Throughout Mercy, a total of 220 positions have been eliminated, less than one percent of Mercy's 40,000-member workforce, the release said.

The heaviest of the recent layoffs are taking place in Mercy facilities in Springfield and St. Louis, KOAM-TV reported Sunday.

In January, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott laid off 12 employees and prior to that reduction in force, administration elected not to fill 20 to 25 positions at the hospital.