More layoffs at Crystal Run Healthcare leaked amid alleged gag orders

This time, sources say roughly 100 Crystal Run Healthcare staffers at their business office on Rykowski Lane in Middletown were quietly let go in February and allege the jobs were outsourced overseas.

Blaise Gomez

Oct 24, 2024, 9:21 PM

Updated 42 days ago

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EXCLUSIVE: News 12 has learned of yet another round of layoffs at one of the biggest medical practices in the Hudson Valley.
This time, sources say roughly 100 Crystal Run Healthcare staffers at their business office on Rykowski Lane in Middletown were quietly let go in February and allege the jobs were outsourced overseas.
The latest details were leaked after News 12 reported last week that workers said hundreds of company lab techs were let go without notice in September, following an approved contract for increased pay and better benefits that was set to become effective within days.
“We were let go in such a disgusting way and it wasn’t right,” says a former laboratory employee who asked not to be identified. “We were manipulated by our bosses just to be thrown out like trash.”
Optum, which bought Crystal Run Healthcare last year, says the company chose to use Quest Diagnostics for laboratory testing services. The company won’t confirm what locations were impacted by the laboratory changes or any other details of either round of layoffs, but says the cuts best meet the needs of patients and the business.
“We continually review the capabilities and services we offer to meet the growing and evolving needs of our business and the people we serve,” says a representative for Optum.
Patients who News 12 spoke to say they’re worried about the changes.
“It’s a big concern. I heard a lot of doctors are leaving due to the takeover,” says Camille Tonnesen, from New Hampton.
Optum has not confirmed if the business changes are impacting other staffing levels.
Sources say workers in February’s layoffs were given severance packages to leave quietly under gag orders.
The company has 15 locations in Orange, Rockland and Sullivan Counties which are among 2,000 locations nationwide.
“I guess we just have to wait and see how this turns out,” says Tonnesen. “Patients are the people that also suffer, unfortunately.”
Optum says affected team members were given the opportunity to apply for other open jobs or offered job placement resources.