In response to requests from its frontline nursing home staff, Beverly Enterprises announced plans to expand its information technology services to 24 hours a day. The Fort Smith, AR-based company says it will outsource its IT Support Center operation and cut 17 of the company’s 139 IT department jobs.

Currently, the service operates from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., five days a week, with only one person taking calls during the first and last hour, according to the company.

“Our nursing homes operate around the clock, and an IT Call Center that is available during normal business hours no longer meets the needs of the facilities,” said Technology Services Vice President David Valcik.

The company is in the midst of interviewing vendors both in the U.S. and abroad. The transition to a new vendor should be completed by the 2004 fourth fiscal quarter.

Valcik was quick to say those in the 17 positions will have the opportunity to apply for other job openings with the company.