PeaceHealth to cut dozens of jobs at Bellingham hospital

PeaceHealth will eliminate 241 jobs in Washington and Oregon, with 56 positions affected at St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham. The layoffs will take effect on December 27, following a submission to the state's Employment Security Department. In addition to the cuts in Bellingham, five positions will be removed in Sedro-Woolley. Affected roles include supply chain specialists, informaticists, and various administrative services.

PeaceHealth's Chief Human Resources Officer conveyed that relevant unions have been contacted, and the final number of layoffs could be influenced by union actions. This move highlights ongoing challenges in the healthcare industry, which faces staffing shortages and financial pressures. The reduction in workforce may impact service delivery at local hospitals, raising concerns among community members. Stakeholders are urged to monitor developments as negotiations with unions progress.