Short-term strategy: furloughs, reductions

Almost all businesses have been negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and Melissa Memorial Hospital is no different.

MMH has been struggling with days cash on hand for months. The 2020 budget has been revised. And now — thanks to the coronavirus — revenue is down because elective surgeries, well visits and more have been cut to slow the spread of the virus.

Efforts have been made to reduce spending, and MMH is looking at ways to get extra money from the government, loans, etc. But according to interim CEO Cathy Harshbarger, staff members knew they had to make a change before it was too late.

MMH’s short-term and temporary strategy is to place 19 employees on furlough. The decision was effective April 5, and employees will return to work on July 26 — unless they are called back to work sooner.

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