UI Hospitals and Clinics has cut 285 positions

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics officials have eliminated 285 positions overall, but jobs have actually been added in direct patient care, one official said today.

UI Vice President for Medical Affairs Jean Robillard told the state Board of Regents this morning UI Hospitals and Clinics has added 111 positions in direct patient care, such as nursing.

“In spite of the fact that we've decreased total work force, we continue to focus on quality and service to our patients,” Robillard said.

The hospital has cut 285 positions total - 148 through attrition and 137 via layoffs - from its 6,600-person work force for fiscal 2010, which started July 1. Hospital leaders must reduce the budget by $45 million to achieve a 1 percent profit margin this year, well below the hospital's typical profit margins of 3 percent to 4 percent.

The budget problems stem from a change in the payer mix and how much the hospital is reimbursed. The hospital is treating more indigent patients because of the faltering economy, and revenues are down.

The 2010 budget at the state's only comprehensive academic medical center is $950 million.