Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Providence Hospital is eliminating 69 positions as the health company tries to deal with changing medical trends and a rough economy.
The company made the announcement Monday.
Providence Hospitals representatives say they will make operational improvements as well, and the sum of their efforts will save the hospitals $5.8 million this year.
Providence says the changes are necessary because there's been a shift from inpatient to outpatient car, reduced payments to hospitals and doctors for services, and high employment, which means more people are using emergency rooms for primary care.
"As the health care sector changes, so do we have to change to address the health care needs of today and tomorrow," said George Zara, Providence Hospitals President and CEO, in a written statement. "Our strategy is not just about cost-reduction; it is about positioning Providence Hospitals to grow in the ever changing health care market...I believe this is the best way for us to continue our commitment to serving the health care needs of people in the Midlands."