Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg, Ind., said it is beginning a workforce reduction this week involving the layoff of 25 employees and the elimination of an additional 36 vacant positions.
The hospital attributed the workforce reduction to various changes in today's healthcare environment.
"Changes in healthcare related to advances in technology, a shift toward outpatient procedures, shorter lengths of stay and numerous other factors, many of which indicate an improvement in overall quality of care, have contributed to the need for a reduction in staff," said DCH President and CEO Michael Schwebler.
"While we would have greatly preferred to reduce our workforce by attrition, increased operating expenses and reduced reimbursement rates do not make that financially feasible," he added.
The hospital said employees affected by the layoffs received severance packages, and a number of recently vacated positions at DCH have been left unfilled to allow those affected workers to apply for other jobs at the facility. DCH added its affiliate partner, Cincinnati-based TriHealth, will also give priority to employees affected by the layoffs.
As far as the future of DCH, Mr. Schwebler said, "Dearborn County Hospital is a financially sound institution and we have a strong strategic plan in place that will guide the hospital successfully into the coming years."