White River Health System (WRHS) has announced a temporary furlough related to COVID-19 issues.
In a statement, WRHS said:
White River Health System (WRHS) employees are making personal sacrifices to temporarily reduce payroll expenses. White River Health System, like many hospitals across the United States and in Arkansas, is experiencing the economic hardships associated with coronavirus (COVID-19) and the sudden drastic reduction in typical patient care services caused by the pandemic.
Friday, WRHS leaders met with employees about revenue shortfalls caused by postponing non-emergency surgeries, imaging studies, and laboratory tests, a reduction in emergency room visits, and the increase in expenses associated with preparing for COVID-19. In addition to staff who have had hours reduced, many WRHS employees stepped forward to accept a 30-day unpaid furlough. Impacted employees will retain existing benefits, and those furloughed have been advised of their eligibility for unemployment benefits.
“I am humbled by the response of our leaders and employees,” said WRHS President and CEO Gary Paxson. “It is an honor to work with people who demonstrate a genuine concern for each other and our patients. It is our intention to return to full employment as quickly as possible.”
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The new White River Now mobile app has started featuring regular COVID-19 updates and podcasts. In addition to the updates featured on the White River Now family of radio stations, the COVID-19 podcast section also features new interviews with Stone County Judge Stacey Avey, Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh, Independence County Judge Robert Griffin, state Sen. Stu Smith, and state Sen. James Sturch. Download the free White River Now mobile app today from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, and keep up-to-date on all local and state coronavirus information and to listen to the streams of White River Now radio stations.
We also carry live feeds of Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s COVID-19’s briefings on-air at Arkansas 103.3, online at White River Now’s Facebook page, and through the Arkansas 103.3 stream on the White River Now mobile app on Arkansas 103.3.
Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. on Ozark Newsline, broadcast from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and 99.5 Hits Now. Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Add don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
