By Healthcare Facilities Today

As part of a program of operational improvement initiatives, Western Health in Newfoundland, Canada, will reduce 147 full-time equivalent positions, according to a story in the The Georgian.

"It’s about improving efficiency and improving our operations," said Susan Gillam, the chief executive officer of the regional health authority. 

The cuts will save Western Health $13.5 million annually through improved human resources practices and the position reductions. They were identified through a benchmarking exercise Western Health underwent to determine how it was performing in comparison to other like-sized health organizations in Canada, according to the article.

"In terms of the operational improvement, sometimes we just have to look at how we’re doing things," she said. "Are there ways to improve it? Are there ways to do things differently? And that’s what we’re embarking on in terms of identifying changes to our workforce."

Of the 147 positions, 70 have already been reduced in non-core areas through changes to better management of overtime, sick leave and constant care. Other positions will be reduced by attrition.

"We have an attendance management program, we have a safe and early return to work program. So we’ll be working with our staff to help reduce the amount of sick leave and that will also help reduce our sick leave relief costs," Gillam said in the article.

As part of the operational improvement initiatives, the health authority also plans to close the retail food service cafeteria at Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital in Stephenville, according to the article.  Gillam said Western Health will be seeking expressions of interest from individuals or businesses interested in setting up in the location. 

Read the article.