Hospital job cuts

Bluewater Health is cutting another 12 jobs in response to a hospital budget freeze entering its fourth year.

Bluewater Health is cutting another 12 jobs in response to a hospital budget freeze entering its fourth year.

President and CEO Mike Lapaine said the exact number of job losses isn’t yet know, but the hospital hopes early retirement and attrition will minimize the workforce impact.

The cuts, combined with other efforts to optimize beds and other resources, will save about $5 million, he said.

The hospital has posted a balanced budget the past six years but projects a $1.7-million deficit at the end of its fiscal year in March.