Looking to cut $120M in its budget, Dartmouth Health plans hiring freeze, job reviews
Dartmouth Health, New Hampshire’s largest private employer, has implemented performance improvement plans and a “position review process” at some of its member organizations as it seeks to close a $120 million budget gap by the end of September, according to an email sent to employees.
After an initial hiring freeze, DH officials have determined that all open positions at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and the Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics are subject to a hiring review by the Position Control Review and Clinical Workforce Committees, according to the Jan. 17 email obtained by the Valley News. This review also will be required of job changes such as employee transfers, adjustments, promotions and filling positions after an employee leaves “for the foreseeable future.”
The Lebanon-based health system will continue to actively recruit for some key “Tier 1” positions that “are essential to keeping patients safe and providing high-quality care.” Such positions include those that would allow DH to replace those currently filled by a staffing agency; positions that are currently understaffed and have a direct impact on clinical care; research positions that have a full two years of grant funding available; and positions required to meet regulatory requirements, according to the Tuesday message.