A declining economy over the last couple of years and declining reimbursements from the state and federal government for its indigent patients has caused the hospital to lay off 2% of its staff.
Community Medical Centers, John Zelezny said, "The future ahead for healthcare is leaner and so we're trying to create a model that can survive that future."
Most of the layoffs will come in areas not directly related to patient care. Although John Zelezny hinted that patients who use the walk-in clinic attached to the downtown facility will notice a decrease in services.
But the news isn't all bad. Sheila Urdesich of the Fresno Office of Employment Development Department says there's still a decline in the number of jobs ... but there are hopeful signs.
"Even though there was a decline ... It's a smaller decline than what we have been seeing. There was an increase year over in manufacturing ... which is a really good sign that people ... Manufacturers think that people are going to pull out their wallets and start spending some money possibly," said Urdesich.
Even though 150 people will lose their jobs ... there is no hiring freeze. In fact ... the hospital says some departments will be adding staff.
The center's facilities include Clovis Community Hospital and Community Regional Medical Center.
