Layoffs, long waits, obscene prices: Vermont healthcare workers and patients face historic crisis

Frontline healthcare workers and the patients they serve are facing a major crisis at the University of Vermont Health network—the state's leading healthcare provider. "In June, UVM Health eliminated over 140 positions across its network, a third of which were union positions," Matt More reports at The Rake Vermont. "The cuts, which the hospital estimated will save $9.5 million, comes as the network faces a $300 million budget shortfall… Later that month, UVM Health handed down a speed-up order to its Medical Group, which includes outpatient clinics and more than 1,000 physicians, which practitioners say will result in briefer appointments with patients." How did Vermont's flagship health network end up in this crisis? How is it affecting healthcare workers and their patients? And what can be done to fix it? In this episode of Working People, we speak with Melissa Lavallee, secretary of UVMMC Support Staff United and VP of healthcare for AFT-Vermont; and Teagan Cook, lead outpatient chemotherapy scheduler at her hospital and a chief steward in UVMMC Support Staff United. Additional links/info: UVMMC Support Staff United website, Facebook page, and Instagram AFT-Vermont website, Facebook page, and Instagram Matt Moore, The Rake Vermont, "UVM Health's unions fight hospital cuts to protect their patients' healthcare and their working conditions" Town Meeting TV, "Put workers and patients first! - Solidarity town hall meeting with UVM Medical Center unions" Olivia Gieger, VT Digger, "UVM Health cuts 142 jobs — an estimated $9.5 million in staff positions" Featured Music: Jules Taylor, Working People Theme Song Credits: Audio Post-Production: Jules Taylor