Entry Pay Rate Increase Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –January 21, 2019
COVINGTON’S LARGEST EMPLOYER INCREASES ENTRY PAY RATE
COVINGTON – St. Tammany Parish Hospital Board of Commissioners approved a new entry level wage of $12 per hour, effective January 20.
“We felt this was the right thing to do for our staff, the smart strategy to take for our business and a powerful impact to have on our local economy.” Board Chairman John Evans said. “In recognition of the increasingly complex demands of working in healthcare, we want to stay competitive so that we continue to attract and retain the very best healthcare staff in our region.”
The increase from $9.50 per hour to $12 per hour, represents a 26 percent increase for the 232-bed service district hospital for western St. Tammany and surrounding areas.
“At St. Tammany, we put our patients first, every day, every time, and we celebrate the crucial role truly dedicated colleagues play in that success,” Joan M. Coffman, STPH president/CEO, said. “We also recognize the impact our hospital, each of our colleagues and their families have on the Northshore economy.”
With 2,300 employees, St. Tammany Parish Hospital is the city of Covington’s largest employer and the parish’s second-largest employer. Healthcare is the second largest private employment sector in St. Tammany Parish, according to data from St. Tammany Corp., economic development organization.
“We recognize that healthcare is a significant industry sector in St. Tammany that creates jobs and increases the quality of life for residents of the parish,” Chris Masingill, St. Tammany Corp. CEO, said. “St. Tammany Parish Hospital continuously engages in our educational and workforce initiatives and is a strong partner in our mission to promote a robust economy and enhance our vibrant communities.”
The board decision comes as a result of analysis of local workforce data, compensation rates and a recognition that colleagues at every level have direct impact on hospital quality, safety and patient experience. STPH was honored for world-class performance in all three measures in 2018 by national organizations including US News & World Report, Care Chex, Leapfrog, Healthgrades and Women’s Choice.
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A full-service acute care facility committed to providing world-class healthcare and the latest technology, St. Tammany Parish Hospital delivers today’s life-improving procedures with the utmost care to area residents with emphasis on wellness, preventive care and disease management close to home. STPH is recognized for quality, safety and the patient experience by CareChex, Leapfrog, Healthgrades, Hospital Compare, Women’s Choice and US News & World Report. St. Tammany Parish Hospital is an independent service district in a clinically integrated partnership with Ochsner Health System. Together, the two organizations focus on aligning their healthcare offerings to best serve patients and families in west St. Tammany and surrounding areas. Under their agreement, the two organizations retain their autonomy; neither partner manages nor owns the other. STPH is a self-supporting not-for-profit community hospital; it receives no tax funding. Learn more at stph.org.