’Mass layoff’ set at Lutheran Medical Center in CO

Exempla Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge is terminating 160 positions -- 6.5% of its workforce -- citing economic weakness and the impact of healthcare reform. Management and nonclinical positions make up at least one third of the reductions, but hospital spokeswoman Mo Sheahan said she couldn't provide specifics on the positions being eliminated. Lutheran President/CEO Grant Wicklund said the hospital is dealing with a number of challenges. "We are experiencing fewer patient admissions, increases in the number of uninsured and underinsured patients, and rising costs," Wicklund said. "To respond to these challenges and to support Lutheran's strategic direction to provide excellent quality care for our patients and community, we have identified areas where we can reduce expenses and realign staffing." Sheahan said Lutheran has 2,500 employees and just over 500 beds. She wasn't sure whether the number of beds would be affected.