Lafayette (La.) General Health has laid off 70 employees across four hospitals to offset a downturn in revenue, reports The Advertiser.
Health system officials attributed the cuts to reduced state and federal funding, low reimbursement rates and a local economic downturn that has harmed patients' ability to afford their high deductibles and medical expenses.
The layoffs occurred at Lafayette General Medical Center, Lafayette General Southwest and University Hospitals & Clinics, all in Lafayette, as well as Acadania General in Crowley, La.
Layoffs affected system level and administrative staff, LGH spokesperson Daryl Cetnar said in a statement.
The system operates seven hospitals, seven cancer centers, three urgent care centers and several physician practices.