Memorial Hospital and Manor issued a press release last Friday that they were eliminating 22 full and part-time staff positions in what was called a restructuring  of the organization.
It was explained this was a part of an “ongoing effort to focus on ways to be more effective and efficient in their delivery of healthcare.”
This week hospital CEO Billy Walker gave more details and explanations on the positions that were eliminated.
He indicated that the positions were spread over several departments, mainly clerical, in an effort not to have a negative affect on patient care.
In addition to cuts in the business office and medical records, there was one lab position, and an emergency department nurse practitioner position eliminated.
Walker said there was also a member of housekeeping who was retiring and that will not be filled, and another vacancy in the radiology department that will not be filled.
Walker said this is an effort to reduce operating expenses, while improving the quality of patient care and provide efficient training and monitor processes for effectiveness within the facility. Some positions have been combined, while others have been eliminated.
Walker reiterated that these decisions are never easy as they impact many lives, and feedback was sought from managers and leaders of the facility before final decisions were made.