Southbridge, Mass.-based Harrington Hospital will not cut obstetrics and gynecology services as much as expected, according to a Boston Business Journal report.
The hospital announced in July plans to shutter its obstetrics unit by Oct. 1, resulting in the layoff of 39 people. Hospital officials said that plan remains intact, but it will continue to take pregnant patients through its obstetrics and gynecology physician group, according to the report. Initial plans included Worcester, Mass.-based UMass Memorial Health Care owning the group.
"It's a better fit for our patients," hospital spokesperson Blaine Schnare told the Boston Business Journal. "It makes them more comfortable. There were some other logistical, operational decisions made that make sense. But from a community facing standpoint, our patients are comforted to know that doesn’t change for them."
As a result of the changed plans, Harrington has reduced the number of expected layoffs from 39 to 20, the report states. Ms. Schnare added most of the affected employees have found other jobs.