the large hospital my mother works for is facing severe budget restrictions. many patients have lost insurance coverage, often they utilize the emergency room for care, or sit in the hospital after their insurance has denied payment. this hospital will not turn anyone away for lack of funds or insurance.

recently, the top tier management took an 8% paycut. the next tier took a 4% paycut. open positions have been eliminated. today, my mother told me that 70 more people have been laid off, and more open positions have been cut.

anyone who does not work in direct contact with patients is at risk of losing their job. although the hospital’s goal is to lessen their deficit without impacting patient care, one has to wonder.