To weather the economic storm, hospitals are cutting staff. Good Samaritan has cut 32 jobs in Kearney, and St. Francis another 22 in Grand Island. At St. Francis Medical Center, that's less than two-percent of the hospital's 1,200 jobs.

CEO Dan McElligott said, "Even though it's a small percentage of our overall workforce it's still a very painful process, not only for people who are let go, but everyone who had to do layoffs, and also people who are still going to be here. We don't want to minimize the impact on those people."

Most cuts are behind the scenes, in the lab, marketing department, and other support services. Frontline nursing positions are unaffected. The hospital's CEO said they'll try to rehire staff or help them find work. 

McElligott said, "As we've gone through the process we try to look at how to treat those individuals fairly and compassionately. We updated our severance package, provide financial assistance during this time frame."

At St. Francis, it completes months of cuts. They've closed clinics in Wood River and Cairo, and shut down Wellness Works, an outreach at the Conestoga Mall. They blame the economy, saying patient numbers have dropped significantly. 

"I think it's probably fair to say people who are afraid for the jobs and also challenged financially are deferring care if they can and so we're seeing less elective surgery and elective
care. It's certainly had impact on us and all hospitals across the country," McElligott said.

He worries numbers will rise, especially in the ER, from those who can't afford it. 

He said, "Our worst fear is that we're very, very busy but no one has insurance and are unable to pay bills."

Officials at St. Francis said Friday this is the last of their layoffs.

Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Johnson said manufacturing jobs remain strong in Grand Island, and said despite this layoff, in her words there's no "epidemic" of job cuts here. 

Reporter's Notes by Steve White:
Johnson said she anticipates the second half of 2009 will see the national economy improve. She said St. Francis acted responsibly in the way it handled its layoffs.

McElligott said the 22 employees at St. Francis were all notified in advance of the announcement. He said the layoffs will be complete by February.

The hospital's human resources department will work with employees on job skills and resumes, and if possible place them in positions that become open.