University of Vermont Health Network Implements Cost Cuts, Services Impacted
BURLINGTON, VT – The University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN) is set to enact significant cuts to administrative and clinical services following orders from the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB). As the system grapples with an enforced $122 million revenue reduction, UVMHN anticipates workforce layoffs affecting nearly 200 employees, including both permanent and temporary staff.
UVMHN’s CEO, Dr. Sunny Eappen, emphasized the adverse effects these cuts will have on patient care, stating that they could undermine efforts to increase accessibility in healthcare. The budget cuts particularly target Central Vermont Medical Center and the University of Vermont Medical Center, with the latter facing penalties for exceeding care delivery limits.
The changes include the closure of renal transplant services, the end of outpatient dialysis operations in regions outside the primary service area, and consolidation of family medicine clinics to reduce costs. Psychiatrically, UVMHN will shutter its inpatient psychiatric unit despite ongoing mental health needs.
Dr. Eappen expressed remorse over the impact these measures will have on local communities and highlighted essential collaborations with Dartmouth Health to maintain kidney transplant services for Vermont patients. Services will transition in a way to provide patients with the necessary care, albeit requiring travel in certain cases.
The GMCB’s aggressive enforcement actions have raised concerns about future accessibility for patients relying on UVMHN’s services. Local community leaders argue that these budget cuts threaten health equity for vulnerable populations. While UVMHN seeks legal relief from the GMCB’s actions, upcoming months will reveal the extent of these changes on patient services.
Despite the challenges, UVMHN remains committed to enhancing healthcare access and continues to support vital community health initiatives, such as mental health urgent care openings and innovative care management programs.
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