Right-sizing

"We're not down-sizing, we're right-sizing...." is the tune that Essent might whistle while they whittle staff away. But what is the right size? Obviously more, if the hospital is running closer to capacity. We aren't, and their solution is lay-offs. Which impacts care...which increases complaints...which decreases utilization...which leads to more lay-offs! It's a vicious cycle, more like a death-spiral. We'll know they're really hurting when they start laying off more people from corporate....

But, what would a better solution be? Obviously, getting people into beds here, rather than Dallas, Tyler, Texarkana, etc. Offering additional services, demonstrating changes in outcomes, perks, and advertising. And, getting the staff on board...the only thing the staff wants to do at this point is jump ship....

But, all that takes more, not less, staff. And to attract experienced personnel to this location, you either have to pay them a premium, or make it more attractive to them: Perks, Pay, Praise, and Pride. Currently, the count to the plus side is zero.

So, we either have a company with policies that takes healthcare for the Paris area down the drain,...or they get their act together and become more pro-active, rather than reactive. Their choice, our future....