Optum, a national company home based back east, is driving The Everett Clinic to the ground and no one is taking action to stop them (“Former Everett Clinic employees speak out about mass layoffs,” The Herald, Sept. 8).
The Everett Clinic has provided medical service to many throughout the area and has provided jobs for doctors, nurses, housekeeping custodians, maintenance technicians, and many other support services.
As a result of Optum’s action to layoff staff throughout the clinics in the area, residents throughout the region are having to pay more for services if they can get the services or go elsewhere and start their medical service history all over again.
The Herald offered a short but informative summary of Optum’s action to drive the Everett Clinic out of service. And, no one in the area seems to be taking any action against this out-of-state owner.
Laid-off employees are hesitant to take action for fear of retaliation beyond not having a job. Current and prospective Everett Clinic patients are being told to pay more for services if those services are available. The actions taken by Optum have the potential to affect the safety and general health of all who enter an Everett Clinic.
And, still, Optum continues to make a huge profit:
Optum revenue jumped 25 percent in the second quarter of 2023 to $56.3 billion, according to a UnitedHealth Group report.
This profit is being made off the backs of the staff at the clinic and the those who have few options but to use the clinic services.
No one is taking action to prevent The Everett Clinic to go under. Where are the leaders of the city, the county and the state? Maybe a leadership change is needed throughout the state. Maybe Optum, which is probably taking similar actions with other company-owned services, should be investigated for the actions they are taking
Ignacio Castro Jr.
Edmonds
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
