NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson and Reno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Teufel said she understood the layoff numbers at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center to be consistent with the numbers provided to Hutch Post.
"Most of those 85 to 100 employees that were receiving notice were non clinical facing," Teufel said. "What that tells us is, while they could go to work in another healthcare institution, they really could go to work for anyone here in Reno County that might be hiring."
The Chamber provided resources to the people that were laid off.
"There was anything from kind of the top 30 employers that are hiring, as well as a list of about 55 other healthcare institutions across Reno County that may or may not have jobs open right now, but if they are wanting to be reemployed in healthcare, as a whole, healthcare is our largest sector."
Teufel is still confident in the strength of that sector as it relates to being competitive in the industry site selection process, but hospital care is facing challenges everywhere.
"Hospitals across our state are struggling," Teufel said. "One of the things I have heard is 50% of our hospitals in Kansas are struggling financially right now. Ours was not alone, but I have to applaud the board and the management for trying to figure out a solution that puts them back on solid footing."
Teufel said they are still trying to decide if a specific hospital-related job fair may be warranted in the coming weeks.
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