South County Hospital cuts jobs

WAKEFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) - The health care industry is one of the few that thus far has appeared to to be relatively immune from the economic crisis. However, this does not hold true for South County Hospital in Wakefield.

The hospital just announced it has laid off 20 workers. In addition, seven top administrators will take a combined $100,000 pay cut.

According to the hospital's website, the facility lost $2 million during the first third of this fiscal year. It said most of the lost revenue - $1.4 million - can be attributed to a decline in patient volume.

The hospital said, because of the poor economic climate, many patients are putting off elective surgical procedures and avoiding outpatient services. It also cites an increase in unemployed Rhode Islanders who have lost health insurance benefits.