OHSU nurse: Layoffs affect 'top quality care we're used to'

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Duncan Zevetski believes OHSU is putting profits over people.

Zevetski, a nurse at OHSU who is also the vice president of the Oregon Nurses Association bargaining unit, said hospital officials are "focusing primarily on things that drive their profits and drive the money in their bank accounts -- and not in the things that actually take care of Oregonians."

His comments come during a wave of layoffs that could affect as many as 500 members.

"We were told by upper management that there would be no patient-facing layoffs at all. And that has turned out not to be true," he said. "Last year they gave out $13.8 million in executive bonuses that weren't merit based. Back-of-the-napkin math— that saves a lot of jobs at OHSU."

Nearly 300 OHSU employees — some of them front line workers — were notified Monday they were getting laid off, including 151 union workers.

Zevetski said so far 21 nurses have been laid off, most of them from the daily phone triage department. But even specialty nurses — like lactation consultants — no longer have a job.

"These are people who take care of patients every single day of their careers," he told KOIN 6 News.

The hospital is still open and operating, but he said patients may experience delays.

"There is less resources to provide the top quality care that we're used to," he said.

Patients are also already noticing changes in care. One OHSU patient just received a notice their annual appointment changed to a shorter visit. Patients are restricted to only talking to their doctor about a handful of topics.

And if patients want to ask about other health concerns, the OHSU message said, "Due to scheduling changes this is not possible and you will need to schedule a separate visit."

"Again, it's their attempts to capitalize on the most return they can get for per patient," Zevetski said. "They want them for the specialty services only that are high reimbursement and are less interested in those things that aren't going to make them a lot of money."

KOIN 6 News reached out to OHSU for comment -- and received the exact same statement they sent Monday:

“Despite our efforts to increase our revenue, our financial position requires difficult choices about internal structures, workforce and programs to ensure that we achieve our state-mandated missions and regain our footing over the long term.”

Zevetski said the Oregon Nurses Association encourages people to reach out to Gov. Kotek to let her know about their feelings to the changes in hospital care. Kotek is responsible for appointing board members who make these financial decisions.