Grady Health System to lay off up to 300

<p>Grady Health System, which serves 2.8 million people and includes Grady Memorial Hospital in downtown Atlanta, will lay off up to 300 employees early next year, or close to 6 percent of its work force.</p><p>The health system said financial difficulties are partly to blame.</p><p>It reported a $33 million deficit last year and this year it expects a deficit of close to $30 million.</p><p>News of the cuts came in a letter to employees sent Thursday night by Grady Health System chief executive Dr. Andy Agwunobi. The hospital released the letter Friday.</p><p>Our financial difficulties stem from a combination of an increased demand for uninsured care, a decline in reimbursement and high rates of medical cost inflation, Agwunobi said. Although we, the Grady family, are confident that we will weather this storm and ultimately restore GHS to financial health, the journey will not be easy and will require hard work, creativity and sacrifice.</p><p>The letter said up to 300 full-time jobs will be cut from the health systems 5,344 existing positions. The health systems intent is to limit the layoffs to those who do not directly work with patients.</p><p>The letter does not specify where the cuts will be made.</p><p>I understand that this communication will create anxiety, Agwunobi wrote to employees. However, I assure you many factors will be considered when determining how this unfortunate, but necessary, initiative will be carried out. In addition, GHS will provide as much support as possible to those who may be affected.</p><p>The Grady Health System is comprised of Grady Memorial Hospital, Hughes Spalding Childrens Hospital, Crestview Health and Rehabilitation Center, 10 community health centers and several other medical centers throughout metro Atlanta.</p><p>Grady Memorial Hospital, which opened in 1892, is one of Atlantas largest hospitals.</p><p>___</p><p>HASH(0x2865a28)</p>

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