Mad River Community Hospital, a locally owned and independent hospital in Arcata, Calif., laid off employees due to what it said was a need to centralize clinic services, according to a Times-Standard report.
A newly laid-off worker, as well as a current employee, estimated there were 10 to 15 laid-off employees, the report states.
A hospital statement obtained by Lost Coast Outpost says Mad River determined "there is a need to centralize our clinic services to better meet patient healthcare needs in our local community."
"Over the past year, to enhance our clinic services, the hospital has been researching various options, including upgrading our electronic medical records, improving data reporting and monitoring and recruiting additional healthcare providers," the statement reads.
The hospital said efforts to update and sustain its clinic system "unfortunately involved a minimum reduction of clinic staff. We are truly saddened to see our former employees leave and are grateful for the contributions they have made."