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Chatham-Kent Health Alliance axes more jobs in effort to balance books

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is cutting dozens of staff positions in an attempt to combat massive debt.

The organization announced Tuesday that as part of its 2017/2018 Recovery Plan the hospital system will be reducing 38 positions — 26 full-time and 15 part-time.

"We are confident that our Recovery Plan will ensure we reach financial health while allowing us to make significant investments in the future of healthcare delivery for our community," said CKHA CEO Lori Marshall. "The expertise, insight and thoughtful consideration of all those involved in the process established a plan that will be respectful of our employees and enhance the delivery of high quality care."

More hip and keen replacements promised

Over the past nine months CKHA has also eliminated 19 leadership roles, a reduction of 22 per cent.

The health alliance has been operating at a deficit for years, leading to a "precarious financial situation" that has blocked it from investing in new initiatives, according to a media release.

The CKHA plans to use early retirement incentives and to rely on turnover at the hospital to reduce the staff numbers with "virtually no involuntary job loss."

Money saved through reductions will be set aside to provide improved service at various CKHA sites, including new medical equipment, increased respiratory coverage and more hip and knee replacements.