Sentara begins restoring pay and benefits that were cut this spring
With patients returning to hospitals and doctor appointments in greater numbers than anticipated, Sentara Healthcare has begun restoring employee benefits and pay that it cut in May.
As of Aug. 2, annual raises and market increases were reinstated for eligible workers, and the company resumed contributions to 403(b) and 401(k) retirement plans Sunday, hospital representatives said. In October, doctor and senior leader pay cuts will stop.
Sentara officials declined to say how much money they saved from the temporary cuts that began this spring, which included furloughs, reduced hours, a hiring freeze, the elimination of some overtime pay and 10% to 20% reductions in doctor pay.
The decision marks a relatively swift course correction for the health care chain, which operates 12 hospitals, including seven in Hampton Roads. It is currently trying to expand by merging with North Carolina-based Cone Health, and if the deal between the two nonprofit hospital systems is successful, their combined annual revenue would be $11.5 billion.
