Dimensions Healthcare System

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October 5, 2004

Dimensions Healthcare System Announces Measures to Bolster Financial Stability

CHEVERLY, MD – Dimensions Healthcare System (DHS) today announced a series of measures designed to strengthen the System's short- and long-term financial performance. The moves are a step toward meeting the conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding between DHS, the State of Maryland and Prince George's County under which Dimensions will receive financial support from the state and county.

"The measures we are taking are just part of our efforts to create a better future for Dimensions Healthcare System and make it one of the strongest and best health care systems in the nation," said Tony Jones, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of DHS. "Dimensions plays a critical role in meeting the health care needs of the communities we serve and these moves are necessary to strengthen this organization and meet the needs of our patients now and in the future."

DHS is taking steps on several fronts to strengthen Dimensions' financial performance. Among the measures is a maximum 5 percent reduction in staff, and reductions in the utilization of overtime and agency use. Dimensions is confident that our staffing levels will continue to support the delivery of high quality care. The measures are expected to result in savings of at least $8.0 million a year.

"Our goals in taking these steps are to maintain the quality of care and strengthen the financial performance of the System, while minimizing the impact on the services we provide and on our employees," added Jones. "It is a difficult decision whenever we take an action that will affect our employees. However, our review made it clear that bringing our financial performance into line – along with other measures to improve operations and enhance revenues – had to be part of our focus."

Since August, Dimensions leadership has been reviewing previous studies of the organization, meeting with physicians, employees, union leadership and community members and conducting its own review of the organization. Based on a careful and thorough assessment of our operations we are taking steps to improve our productivity and efficiency.

Dimensions Healthcare System is the largest not-for-profit health care system in Prince George's County. Dimensions Healthcare System treats approximately 200,000 patients annually and includes Prince George's Hospital Center, Laurel Regional Hospital, Bowie Health Center, Dimensions Surgery Center and Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital and Nursing Center.

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