Murray-Calloway County Hospital Furloughs Workers

Murray-Calloway County Hospital has announced plans to temporarily furlough workers due to the effects of coronavirus.

In a press release on Thursday, the hospital said this action follows the suspension of some services and rescheduling of elective surgeries and procedures, which make up the bulk of revenues needed to support operating costs at the hospital.

All management positions will take a minimum 20 percent reduction. Some staff furloughs will involve reduced work schedules, while other staff will be relieved of all job duties. Furloughed employees are eligible for unemployment compensation and will remain eligible for their medical benefits.

According to the release, many departments have already made cuts, and several employees are on unemployment. However, this has not been enough to counteract the anticipated $5.3 million reduction in revenue during the month of April. Stimulus funding received through the CARES act will offset $2.3 million of the shortfall.

“We do not know when we will come out of this shutdown but our intent is to return to normal operations as soon as possible. This is just a temporary measure,” said Murray-Calloway County Hospital CEO, Jerry Penner. “We have delayed this action as long possible because we value our employees and need to ensure we will be here when our communities need us most.”

The hospital will continue to provide urgent and emergency healthcare through the hospital and physician clinics.