Oregon Nurses Association Responds to Asante’s Possible Job Cut Projections

MEDFORD, Ore. (May. 4, 2026) — The Oregon Nurses Association is responding to Asante leadership after the health system outlined potential job cuts affecting more than 300 employees across Southern Oregon, according to an internal communication from CEO Tom Gessel. Asante has said the proposed reductions are part of ongoing efforts to address financial and operational pressures and that no immediate layoffs have been implemented.

In a statement, the union criticized the proposed staffing reductions and referenced prior workforce and service changes at Asante facilities, including job eliminations in 2024 and service adjustments at Ashland Community Hospital, which transitioned away from inpatient care and certain maternal health services.

“Asante executives are once again cutting caregivers and looking for someone else to blame,” the Oregon Nurses Association said in its response, arguing that management decisions have contributed to current staffing challenges.

The union also pointed to the departure of certain specialty providers in recent years, including neonatal and physician staff, and said those changes have affected access to care in parts of Southern Oregon.

Asante has previously said that service changes and restructuring decisions have been driven by financial pressures, including rising operating costs, changes in patient volumes, and reimbursement challenges. The health system has described its adjustments as part of efforts to maintain long-term sustainability and continue providing care across its regional network.

A report on the CEO’s internal message indicated that Asante characterized the potential workforce reductions as part of ongoing operational strain, while noting that specific decisions regarding job cuts have not yet been finalized.

The nurses union also raised concerns about staffing levels and regulatory requirements, referencing state staffing standards and enforcement actions. Asante has previously acknowledged challenges in meeting staffing benchmarks but has said compliance efforts are ongoing amid broader workforce shortages in health care.

The union urged Asante leadership to engage in continued discussions with frontline health care workers as the organization evaluates potential changes.

“Asante executives are responsible for the problems they’ve created,” the statement said. “If they are serious about addressing these challenges, they should work with caregivers on solutions that support patient care and staffing stability.”

Asante operates hospitals and clinics throughout Jackson and Josephine counties, including major facilities in Medford and surrounding communities. The organization has not released a detailed breakdown of which positions or departments could be affected by the proposed reductions.