Medical Center leadership answers the tough questions about what the elevate program is and what it means for the people who work at VUMC.
Question: Baptist and Saint Thomas hospitals have laid off numerous employees in the past year. Do we anticipate layoffs at VUMC?
Answer: As new capabilities are born, old skills become obsolete.
All medical centers must be prepared to adjust their employee mix to meet changing demands and to make the best use of new technology.
With that said, the outlook for employment stability at VUMC is rather good, and we currently anticipate no layoffs of the wholesale, cost-driven variety.
Layoffs of that type are a bitter last resort, particularly in these lean times.
VUMC has for a number of years experienced growing patient demand, backed by a steady increase in market share. Our satisfaction scores continue to improve.
Patients believe, as I do, that we provide the highest quality health care services available in the region.
As we head into 2007, our health care business remains successful, with demand outstripping the capacity of our work force and our facilities.
Our success comes from the skill, experience and commitment of our people.
To guard this asset, it's necessary to provide a stable work environment and to hire and retain the best employees.
VUMC has any number of valuable assets, but none is more vital than the people who work here.
— Harry Jacobson, M.D., vice chancellor for Health Affairs