Ashland, Ky.-based King's Daughters Medical Center has laid off 148 workers, according to an Ironton Tribune report.
The workforce cuts were made due to declining patient volumes and reimbursement cuts. Affected employees were in support, administrative and supervisory positions, according to the report.
"While difficult, the reduction will help preserve the positions of 3,831 people throughout our health system, as well as our main goal of providing high value, exceptional patient care to our community," Fred Jackson, president and CEO of KDMC, said, according to the Ironton Tribune.
Twelve of the laid-off employees are members of the Service Employees International Union 1199. In a news release, a union official called for Mr. Jackson to "share in the sacrifice" and that the cost-cutting measures are "coming from the wrong end of the organization," the Ironton Tribune reported.
In addition to the workforce reduction, KDMC is closing two family care centers Sept. 1. Staff and physicians from the two centers will then work in other centers, according to the report.
More Articles on Hospital Layoffs:
11 Recent Hospital and Health System Layoffs
Lowell General Lays Off 34
Maine Medical Center to Slash 225 Positions