Saturday, February 14, 2009

UC hospital plans layoffs and other cost-cutting


CHICAGO - The University of Chicago Medical Center says the tough economy is forcing it to eliminate 450 jobs. And hundreds are to be cut through attrition.

It's all part of a $100 million cost-cutting plan recently announced by the South Side hospital.

Spokesman John Easton says the financial woes stem from a decrease in endowments, fewer patients and a delay in payments from the state Medicaid program for treating low-income patients.

The cuts announced Monday include eliminating more than 30 patient beds and two doctors' offices on the South Side.

Medical center chief executive officer James Madara says he regrets losing so many employees, "especially at such a challenging time in the job market."

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