CHI Franciscan Health is reducing the number of workers hired to build a $500 million replacement hospital in Silverdale, Wash., due to budget adjustments, according to the Kitsap Sun.
The Tacoma, Wash.-based health system is in the process of constructing a replacement facility for Harrison Medical Center, which is currently in Bremerton, Wash. However, workers are being laid off the project, signaling a slowdown. Several tradespeople told the Kitsap Sun there has been a widespread reduction in workforce at the site, although the publication could not confirm the number of layoffs.
A CHI Franciscan Health spokesperson told the publication the project's workforce changes are a result of budget changes made by its parent company, Englewood, Colo.-based Catholic Health Initiatives.
"In response to an ever-changing healthcare landscape — increasing labor costs, decreasing reimbursements and growing expenses — Catholic Health Initiatives has adjusted capital funding nationwide," CHI Franciscan vice president for communications Cary Evans told the Kitsap Sun. "We are committed to Harrison Medical Center, and construction in Silverdale will continue. We will open as soon as possible."
CHI Franciscan anticipates the hospital will open in 2020.
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