LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Lee Health says they have taken steps to reduce non-essential operating expenses, but the magnitude of COVID-19’s impact on their health system has required them to take action.
Lee Health has presented two voluntary programs to employees intended to reduce our labor costs.
The first is a Voluntary Exit Program that allows employees to separate from Lee Health with a generous severance payout.
The second program is a Voluntary Summer Sabbatical.
The sabbatical allows employees to take four to six weeks off during the summer with or without using their paid time off.
Lee Health says these voluntary programs will help ensure the long-term viability of our health system so that they may continue to provide the safe care that our community deserves.
“Admission and surgery volumes were both down around 50-55% as we prepared our hospitals to safely treat all patients who needed care amidst a worldwide pandemic. These reductions in volumes were the right thing to do for our patients and our community, but they also came with financial implications that we expect will have an impact on our budget for months, if not years, to come.” Said Dr. Antonucci.
