TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR

On March 1, 2023, the Marshfield Clinic Health System released a statement announcing staff reductions will impact 346 employees among the organization’s more than 12,000-employee workforce in Wisconsin.
Upon inquiry, on March 6, a representative from the Marshfield Clinic Health System corporate office confirmed locally four staff will be reduced, “This will affect four employees at Marshfield Clinic Merrill Center,” he said. All four are staff members, not providers, he confirmed.
“The decision comes against the backdrop of a health care industry challenged by skyrocketing labor costs, higher supply expenses, and reduction in reimbursements,” the release said.
“We are not immune to the immense pressure and unprecedented challenges gripping the health care industry in recent years, which has required us to identify ways to be more efficient and more resourceful,” said Dr. Susan Turney, CEO Marshfield Clinic Health System. “Reducing staff is always painful. This is ultimately about preserving the long-term efficiency and sustainability of our organization.”
“We are committed to supporting all affected employees with resources and services to aide them in their transition, including assistance searching for other roles within the Health System,” she said.
According to the press release, the total number of employees affected represents less than three percent of the Health System’s employees, kept this low because 500+ open and unfilled positions will be eliminated instead of being filled.
The Health System is working with community partners where staff are affected, to identify other potential employment opportunities and will continue to review resources and patient care needs as they continue to address challenges facing the healthcare industry.