Shawnee Health Service understands this is a difficult and stressful time for its employees and the community. To prevent the spread of misinformation related to workplace changes prompted by COVID-19, we want to explain what we’re doing to help our employees whose work schedules and locations are affected by the Governor’s order to shelter in place until April 7, 2020.
Because health care is an essential service, Shawnee Health Service will remain open in a limited capacity. Our OB/GYN clinic remains open, but all other services have been moved to our Carbondale campus. Shawnee Health Service has not implemented a layoff of employees at this time. We are making arrangements for employees who are able to work or telework wherever possible. Some employees will have reduced schedules because of the changes. We’re creating staffing rotations to ensure our employees who are able to continue working are scheduled to work some hours during this time. Insurance benefits will not be affected and employees are not losing their benefits, including paid leave balances.
For affected employees, Shawnee Health Service is providing up to 80 hours of paid leave to cover the hours employees are no longer scheduled to work because of the reduction in services and locations. These hours are paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay. This paid leave is separate from the employee’s regular paid leave balance. Employees are not required to use their paid leave before using the provided 80 hours. During the 80 paid leave hours, Shawnee Health Service will cover the employee’s entire health and dental insurance premiums meaning employees are not required to pay their share like normal.
It’s our hope that these benefits will relieve some stress and anxiety for our employees. The situation is constantly changing based on federal and state guidance and orders. We will keep all employees informed of future changes.
If employees have any questions, they should contact their supervisor or a member of management. We appreciate, and are proud of, all of our employees’ commitment to our patients and we’re always here to help.
– Shawnee Health Service
