Fisher-Titus Medical Center, a 99-bed hospital in Norwalk, Ohio, has laid off some workers in nonclinical roles and reduced hours for others, the Sandusky Register reported April 2.
Seven employees, about 0.5% of the health system's workforce, were laid off April 1. Work hours were reduced for another 10 positions, a spokesperson for Fisher-Titus told Becker's.
The workforce cuts come amid ongoing financial challenges, particularly for rural hospitals, as Fisher-Titus continues to see significant increases in the costs required to provide patient care.
"Skyrocketing inflation, along with decreasing governmental and commercial payments, are inadequate to cover the expense of caring for patients," the hospital said in a statement. "Despite many efforts, and without any legislative action to improve inadequate payments or to reduce regulatory burden, the financial health of organizations like ours will continue to be challenged."
Fisher-Titus said it was "no longer feasible" to maintain the affected nonclinical positions, but continues to offer various clinical and patient-focused employment opportunities.
The system employs about 1,300 staff, including 200 providers, and is one of the largest employers in Huron County, according to its website.