Healthcare Restructuring

Health care restructuring has been undertaken throughout the developed world as hospitals attempt to become more efficient. This research monograph reports results from a three-year study of hospital restructuring and downsizing on nursing staff. Hospital restructuring produced major changes due mainly to cutbacks in staff and services. Nursing staff responses were characterized by dissatisfaction, cynicism and exhaustion. Negative impacts on perceptions of hospital functioning were also evident. There were however also indications of more successful implementation and management of those transitions. Implications for staff well-being, organizational effectiveness and managing restructuring and hospital revitalization are drawn.