Oxnard : St. John’s Hospital Announces 24 Layoffs

Facing a $4.3-million budget shortfall, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard on Wednesday announced plans to cut 24 management and support jobs, hold off on raises and start charging employees for health insurance.

Thirteen administrators and 11 support workers will be laid off as the hospital tries to meet its $128-million budget, hospital spokeswoman Rita Schumaker said.

Schumaker said the hospital expects to lay off an additional six staff members who move patients from one hospital location to another.

Hospital officials announced several other money-saving measures that will take effect over the next few months.

Starting June 1, the hospital will no longer foot tuition bills for classes that employees take to improve job performance.

In July, employees won’t get their annual 3% merit raise and the hospital will begin charging them $10 to $20 a month for health insurance.

Last year, a $5-million budget shortfall led to 33 layoffs at the hospital.

The medical center laid off five employees in March after merging with Pleasant Valley hospital. The merger did not contribute to the current budget problem, hospital officials said.