Struggling Ohio hospitals plan layoffs over next six months

The Ohio Hospital Association reports that based on a recent survey of its members, more than one-third of all hospitals in the state plan layoffs within the next six months. Survey respondents said that while they would try to limit cuts in clinical areas, they expected to lay off nurses, radiologists, physical therapists and pharmacy and outreach program staff.

The staff cuts are, in large part, driven by losses absorbed from uncompensated care, high interest rates on variable-rate debt and decline in the hospitals' investments in the stock market. At the same time, the association says that recently proposed hospital franchise fees aimed at covering rising state Medicaid costs would also be an added financial burden for its members.

A number of hospitals in the state have already announced layoffs. For example, Madison County Hospital in London says it that plans to cut 50 jobs and close its 11-bed long-term care unit. Next month, the hospital plans to switch its home-health-care and hospice programs to another company. Columbus-based Mount Carmel Health System will layoff 300 employees and eliminate or consolidate several programs, as well.

To learn more:
- see the story in The Columbus Dispatch