Landmark Medical Ctr. announces layoffs

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) - Landmark Medical Center announced plans Monday to layoff several employees and close an outpatient center.

The financially troubled hospital in Woonsocket has been in court receivership since 2008, and the cuts were necessary to stabilize the medical center's finances, the hospital said in a news release.

"The staff reductions we are announcing today have long been expected and were publicly discussed," said Richard Charest, President of Landmark Medical Center and the Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island. "Like all hospitals, we must identify ways the hospital can run more efficiently while maintaining high quality patient care."

The hospital described the layoffs as a small reduction in staffing levels. However, it did not specify how many jobs would be lost. The nurses' union told WRNI-FM that 20 of its members would be affected.

In addition to the staff changes, the hospital said it was discontinuing outpatient therapy services at the Atwood Therapy location in Johnston.

The hospital said both the Attorney General's Office and the Rhode Island Department of Health have been notified about the layoffs.

Massachusetts-based Steward Health Care System has agreed to buy the hospital. The sale must be approved by state regulators before being finalized.