Altru Makes Changes To Offset Financial Losses, Announces Workforce Reduction

Grand Forks, N.D. – Altru Health System announces a reduction of their workforce of approximately 6.5%. Effective today, 167 total positions at Altru were eliminated, with most of the reductions in support and administrative departments.

"While I hoped we would never have to make this decision, it is necessary," Dr. Steven Weiser, President of Altru, shared regarding the change. "We are taking deliberate actions to position Altru for ongoing success in a challenging environment."

Like most healthcare organizations across the country, Altru made significant changes to its operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes had a serious financial impact. Prior to today’s announcement, Altru had made a series of decisions to offset significant financial losses this year. These have included reductions in executive, leadership, and physician pay, workforce adjustments to patient volume, and the decision to pause the construction of Altru’s new hospital.

"Today’s announcement is part of a crucial re-design of our organization," adds Dr. Weiser. "We must continue to make changes in the best interest of those we serve. As we adapt, we will not lose sight of our patients and our responsibility to the community and region. Patients always come first and providing safe, high-quality care remains our priority."

Those departing the organization will receive a separation package, a pay-out of unused vacation time, and access to health and dental benefits through the month of June.

"At Altru, we value our entire team, and the departure of these fellow employees will be felt by us all," shares Dr. Weiser. "I am grateful for the time our employees gave to Altru, and for their service to our patients and the community."

Altru’s mission is to improve the health and enrich the lives of those they serve. The changes being made strengthen Altru’s path forward.

About Altru Health System

Based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Altru Health System is a physician-led, multispecialty group practice with an acute care hospital, Level II trauma center, specialty hospital, more than two dozen Grand Forks, and regional practice locations, and a large home care network. Altru Health System was the first member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, extending Mayo Clinic knowledge and expertise to the patients we serve. For more information, visit altru.org.