October 1, 1999

As the hospital continues to tighten its fiscal belt, the MGH this week announced a fiscal year 2000 wage and salary program that includes a performance-based wage and salary increase. In a letter distributed to employees with their paychecks this week, James J. Mongan, MD, president of the MGH, cited the extraordinary efforts of employees to deliver the best care and services while facing the challenge of high patient volume and increased cost containment pressures.

Employees are eligible for a pay increase on their raise-effective date. A completed performance appraisal is required before any increase is processed. The range of the increases is from 0 to 5 percent, and the General Hospital program is funded at 3 percent, similar to programs at other Partners-affiliated institutions.

According to Jeff Davis, senior vice president of Human Resources, the wage and salary program has not changed over the past three years. Those employees who are above the maximum for their pay range are eligible for a bonus of 0 to 3 percent rather than a pay increase. All of the pay ranges will be raised by 3 percent.

The wage and salary program follows a challenging budget process. "This past year has been a challenging one financially for the MGH and for most other academic medical centers in the United States," says Mongan. "There will be great pressure to hold down costs even as activity increases. I believe, however, that providing an opportunity for employees to receive raises is a budget priority."