Hundreds Furloughed From Nashua And Manchester Hospitals

NASHUA, NH — SolutionHealth has furloughed hundreds of employees at its facilities in Manchester and Nashua, according to an email to employees. In the email to all employees of SoloutionHealth which includes Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua and Elliot Hospital in Manchester, Sherry Hausman the president and CEO of the company, announced significant steps being taken due to major financial impact on their organization. Employees were advised by supervisors a total of 650 employees would be furloughed, and other steps were being taken.

Some employees who work in areas where the activity is significantly reduced will move into a “furlough” status. In a furlough status, the employee’s benefits are maintained and they may utilize earned time. The employee can apply for unemployment benefits — including the enhanced benefits that the federal government has put into effect. The furlough status employees will be called back to work as soon as activity levels return.

The hiring of non-essential positions has been frozen while SoloutionHealth Senior Leadership (Core Team) will take a 15 percent reduction in pay. All discretionary spending is frozen and employed providers whose practices have been disrupted will have their compensation adjusted accordingly.

Many employees have been working reduced hours to match demand and this will continue, according to Hausman. Employees whose hours are significantly impacted may also apply for supplemental unemployment benefits

Hausman in the email said, “I recognize and regret the hardship creates for many. I am grateful to all of you. I am proud of how so many have come together to fight the war against the virus. I can assure you we can move quickly into a thriving recovery as this challenge subsides"