Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine, has laid off 31 employees, including people in building maintenance, housekeeping, clinical and administrative positions, according to the Portland Press Herald.
The hospital, which employs about 1,500 full-time workers, announced the layoffs nearly two months after it offered retirement buyouts to 99 employees, according to the report. Forty-seven accepted the early retirement incentive offered in July, which included one week's pay for each year worked. The incentive was offered to selected employees over age 60.
Wayne Clark, a Mercy spokesperson, said the layoffs were necessary because not enough people accepted the early retirement offer.
"While it is difficult to see colleagues leave, it is necessary if we are to realize our vision of a strong Mercy Hospital," Mr. Clark said in a statement, according to the report. "This is a way to size our workforce to fit market demands. Of course, we will not compromise the quality and personal nature of the care we're known for."
Mr. Clark said shrinking the workforce is part of the hospital's strategy to consolidate operations at Mercy's new Fore River complex. The hospital's main location on State Street will close after the Fore River complex expansion is completed in about three years.