In a bid to reduce costs and realign its structures and budgets, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has announced that job cuts may be necessary. The university’s leaders have warned staff of the possibility in an email signed by OHSU President Danny Jacobs and other senior executives.
The email outlined plans for an audit of expenses, projects, and roles to be conducted by select leaders at the university. The executive leadership team at OHSU will use the results of the audit to determine the next steps for the institution. While job cuts may be a possibility, the overall goal is to ensure that OHSU’s services are utilized in the best way possible.
This announcement comes after OHSU faced criticism for granting non-merit-based bonuses totaling $15 million to non-union staff, a move that sparked a petition from unionized workers. The institution reported a loss of $26 million for the six-month period ending in December, with rising costs outpacing revenues.
Despite these challenges, OHSU is still working towards a potential merger with rival Legacy Health to become the largest employer in the Portland metro area. The leadership at OHSU emphasized the importance of transparency and communication during this strategic realignment process, pledging to provide updates and engage with staff throughout the changes. They called for embracing excellence and making choices that will help propel the institution forward in a changing landscape.
