More changes at Lakeside Hospital. Last week, the hospital announced it is closing its birthing unit. Today, Lakeside says it’s facing a budge deficit and up to 50 people could lose their jobs because of it.
It is news no one wants to hear, but it is something Lakeside Health System says it has to do. The medical center says it has several strategies in play that will cut expenses by up to $3 million.
Interim CEO Hugh Collins says Lakeside had a significant loss in 2011. They anticipated a greater loss in 2012 unless it takes immediate step to match expenses with revenue. In order to do that, they’ve began cutting back standard work week hours, from 40 hours a week to 35 hours a week. Those cuts will impact 40% of the Lakeside workforce.
Also, the company is under a hiring freeze. It only plans to hire for critical direct patient care positions.
