Jefferson Health reorganizes in move that streamlines integration
The change reportedly includes executive job cuts.
Photo: John Fedele/Getty Images
Jefferson Health in Philadelphia is reorganizing, in a strategy that reportedly includes layoffs. Jefferson Health is modifying its operating structure from five divisions to three "regions" – North, Central and East, according to a hospital spokesperson.
The move is being made to further enhance the health system's clinical integration, he said. "This new organizational structure enables Jefferson Health to streamline processes and optimize our health system to continue to deliver safe, high quality and compassionate care to our patients and communities," he said.
The changes will involve an unspecified number of job cuts, mostly among executives, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Among the departures are Richard J. Webster, president of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Center City and Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, and Alison Ferren, president and chief operating officer of Abington Health.
Under the new alignment, each region will have a president who reports to Jefferson Health's chief operating officer, according to the spokesperson.
The president of the North Region is Brian Sweeney, who will also serve as interim president while Jefferson completes the search for the new president. The president of the Central Region is Dixie James.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The reorganization comes in the new CEO's fourth month on the job, during a period when Jefferson has had operating losses in two out of the last three years, according to the Inquirer report, and as all health systems have experienced a time of financial stress due to COVID-19, increased workforce costs, staff shortages and inflation.
"This adjustment in our organizational structure is in the best interest of Jefferson's ability to fulfill our mission of improving lives. It ultimately contributes to true clinical integration as 'One Jefferson' and enables Jefferson Health to better streamline processes and optimize our health system," said Dr. Joe Cacchione, CEO of Jefferson Health and Thomas Jefferson University, in a statement.
The North Region includes Einstein Medical Center Montgomery, Jefferson Abington Hospital, Jefferson Bucks Hospital, Jefferson Frankford Hospital, Jefferson Lansdale Hospital and Jefferson Torresdale Hospital.
The Central Region includes Einstein Medical Center Elkins Park, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, Jefferson Methodist Hospital, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, MossRehab and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
The East Region includes Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, Jefferson Stratford Hospital and Jefferson Washington Township Hospital.
THE LARGER TREND
Cacchione became CEO in September, according to Jefferson Health. He formerly worked at Ascension, one of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the United States, where he has served as an integral leader since 2017.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org
