Local health care provider Carle to offer voluntary severance packages for some employees

URBANA (25News Now) - Urbana-based Carle Health, which finalized a merger with UnityPoint Health in Peoria earlier this year, wants to reduce its workforce to cut costs.

“Voluntary separation” agreements are being offered to some of Carle’s employees who don’t have direct patient care responsibilities, said Brittany Simon, the health care provider’s public relations manager.

“A Voluntary Separation Program is a mutually beneficial program used to support long-term cost reduction while supporting non-patient care team members interested in leaving the organization with financial support,” said Simon in a statement given to 25News.

Simon did not provide details how much is being offered as severance, nor did she indicate how many employees are eligible for the program.

“As Carle Health navigates the ongoing financial challenges of the current healthcare environment, we are exploring creative, proactive solutions while continuing to support the mission of the organization,” Simon also said.

She added that the voluntary severance program “will not impact the scope and quality of care” for patients in Bloomington-Normal and Greater Peoria.

Carle Health started merging with UnityPoint Health in Peoria in November of 2022, with the deal closing in April of this year.

Carle Health acquired BroMenn Medical Center in Normal and Eureka Hospital in 2020.

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