In an effort to reduce expenses and improve operational efficiencies, Columbia, S.C.-based Palmetto Health has eliminated 140 positions throughout its health system, according to a WIS TV news report.
The layoffs, 70 of which occurred Jan. 3, affect Palmetto Health and Palmetto Health-USC Medical Group employees. Many of the positions eliminated last week had not been filled since last October when employees were redeployed to cut 70 other positions.
The affected employees were given a severance package, outplacement services and an option to apply for other positions within the health system.
"Palmetto Health and the Palmetto Health-USC Medical Group have been experiencing ongoing pressures to reduce our expenses and improve operational efficiencies while still providing the highest quality, safest care to patients. Although our patient volumes remain high, our revenue has continued to decline, which is a condition leading healthcare systems across the nation are experiencing," a statement from the health system reads.
The move comes as Palmetto Health is merging with Greenville (S.C.) Health System and will rebrand as Prisma Health. The merger was announced last September.