“So, when they cut an entire division, that’s not just admin support – that’s operation support.”
This employee, who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity, said that the cuts have left many questions unanswered about how essential functions will continue to operate without the necessary support staff in place.
“There’s no backup plan,” they said. “It’s like they just assumed that everything would keep running smoothly without these key positions.”
They also expressed concerns about the impact on IT and digital infrastructure systems, particularly in terms of security and program operations.
“Without the necessary staff in place to maintain and monitor these systems, there’s a real risk of security breaches and operational disruptions,” they said. “It’s a dangerous gamble to take with such critical systems.”
They also noted that the loss of experienced staff members with extensive knowledge of the department’s operations could have long-term consequences for its ability to function effectively.
“These were not just ‘redundant’ positions – these were people who had been with the department for years and understood how things worked,” they said. “Their expertise and institutional knowledge are not easily replaced.”
Overall, the employee emphasized the need for greater transparency and communication from HHS leadership about their plans for managing the aftermath of the cuts.
“We need to know how they plan to ensure the continued operation and security of these systems,” they said. “And we need to know that they have a plan in place to address any potential gaps in staffing and expertise.”
As the dust settles from last week’s reorganization, many within HHS and beyond are left wondering what the future holds for the department’s IT and digital infrastructure systems. Only time will tell how these changes will ultimately impact the delivery of healthcare services and the safety of patient data.
In light of recent reorganization efforts within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the division of IT is facing numerous challenges that are impacting its ability to effectively oversee critical functions such as the cloud environment and government websites. The restructuring from 28 to 15 divisions is causing disruptions in operations, leaving many essential tasks without proper oversight.
With the reduction in IT business owners and government officials, there is a lack of technical oversight for crucial operations. This absence of guidance is particularly concerning for tasks like managing the cloud environment and ensuring the functionality of government websites. The current situation has created uncertainty and inefficiencies within the IT division, leading to difficulties in getting essential tasks done in a timely manner.
One key area of concern is the potential impact on big data programs that rely on contractor support. The absence of contract staff to renew essential contracts is causing immediate cracks in operations, particularly within the ASFR Response Coordination & Data Integration Team. The merging of this team with the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation to create a new Office of Strategy is further complicating the situation.
As the department works to regrow its operational functions, there is a pressing need to address the gaps in oversight and ensure that basic operations continue smoothly. The lack of clarity and direction following the reorganization is causing stress and uncertainty among employees, particularly those with hands-on knowledge of critical data contracts.
The ethical implications of the restructuring are also coming to light, with long-serving employees facing challenges in transitioning to new roles or working as contractors on projects they were previously involved in. The abrupt terminations and lack of communication surrounding the reorganization have left many employees in a state of limbo, unsure of their future within the agency.
Despite the challenges faced by the division of IT, there is a sense of resilience among employees who are determined to navigate the changes and continue supporting the department’s mission. As the reorganization efforts continue, it will be crucial for HHS to provide clear guidance and support to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the integrity of its operations.
By Andrea Fox, Senior Editor of Healthcare IT News. Email: afox@himss.org. Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS Media publication.
