April 17, 2023 3:50 a.m.

CHI Mercy Health in Roseburg has announced that it will close their Home Health service line and make a reduction of staff.

A Mercy release said the job cuts affect less than 4 percent of its workforce, or roughly 50 employees. In total, the provider employs about 1,200 people in Douglas County, including a physician practice group.

Director of Communications Sarah Baumgartner said, “Like many health providers in Oregon, we are experiencing tremendous financial strain caused by a number of factors”. Baumgartner said, “As a result, we are taking steps to improve efficiency and effectiveness, as well as reduce our costs. These decisions are not made lightly but are necessary for our continued stability and future growth”.

The reductions will be finalized in May, with the exception of Home Health. This service line will be a transition for at least 60 days to assure patients receive care. Those impacted by the cuts will include nurses, physical and occupational therapists and others. Mercy Hospice service line remains open, serving current Hospice patients and accepting referrals for new Hospice care patients.

The release said other areas of impact will include hospital sitters, coffee cart and catering services, and a contracted transportation service.