BSA announces employee furloughs
AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — BSA has announced a furlough program for employees in hopes of easing the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have sought to avoid position eliminations by realigning services and making staffing changes, including reduction of hours and furloughing employees,” Bob Williams, BSA President and CEO said in a press release.
Hospital officials say no positions have been eliminated at this time.
Many furloughed employees are eligible for enhanced unemployment benefits subject to current state guidelines, allowing them to maintain income and preserve benefits.
Putting employees on furlough allows them an avenue to access funds they are entitled to receive, according to the hospital's release.
Furloughs may extend up to 90 days but employees could be called back sooner based on need.
“We know this is a difficult time for workers and families alike," said Williams. "We are hopeful that these measures will be short-lived, allowing us to continue to serve our patients and communities while we work through this unprecedented crisis and into the future.
"We are grateful for the service of all staff members and we remain optimistic that over the next few months, we will return to normal hours for our employees.”
To maintain patient connections during this time of sheltering at home, providers are offering video visits, e-visits and tele-visits to patients in an effort to care for them in the safety of their homes.
