Official: Blue Hill (ME) hospital layoffs certain

The top administrator at Blue Hill (ME) Memorial Hospital has announced an undetermined number of staff layoffs in an effort to stave off bankruptcy. In a letter, interim administrator Erik Steele, MD, said a number of belt-tightening measures, including staff reductions, must be undertaken if the hospital is to continue serving patients. In the letter, Steele said some cost-saving measures were put in place, including a hiring freeze, a ban on unnecessary travel, and other steps. But in order to avoid financial disaster, he said, staff reductions are unavoidable and will be announced Jan. 19 or 20. About 340 people are employed at the hospital.