Seattle-based Swedish Medical Center to lay off 200 workers

Seattle-based Swedish Medical Center said it will lay off 200 of its roughly 7,000 employees in a bid to cut operating costs. "Given a tough fourth quarter and the economic head winds we've had, we recognized we needed to do a thorough restructuring," said Chief Executive Rod Hochman. "We are tax-exempt, but we need to remain competitive, with a margin to build buildings." Positions being eliminated include four vice presidents, 22 directors, and an unspecified number of managers and support staff, including nonpracticing medical managers.