SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Baystate Health has announced a “voluntary separation program” as it works to combat financial pressures.

Baystate Health spokesperson Heather Duggan said that “collective transformation work” over the last year has helped strengthen Springfield-based healthcare system “in meaningful ways” and, amid these efforts, “we must now sustain our momentum through continued financial transformation.” She added that Baystate has faced, like many other health systems, financial pressures from rising labor costs, inflation, and reimbursement challenges. At the same time, they are also facing new challenges, “including external pressures such as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which is creating additional headwinds for health systems across the country.”

In light of those factors, Baystate Health announced a “voluntary separation program” across their system and its subsidiaries, including Health New England. It will offer eligible, non-direct patient care employees an option to voluntarily separate with financial support. Duggan added that the program will help them “responsibly manage costs and align our workforce with future needs” and is designed to “minimize the need for other workforce reductions.”

Baystate noted that they continue recruit and hire physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, and bed-side caregivers to support the health needs of our communities.

Western Mass News will continue to follow this story and will have the latest starting at 4 p.m. on ABC40.

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