Dozens laid off at the George Washington University Hospital

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) initiated dozens of layoffs this week, the hospital confirmed on Wednesday.

The hospital cited this being a “challenging time in the Healthcare industry” as a reason for the layoffs. As a result, the hospital is restructuring areas and departments in order to “increase operational efficiencies and reduce costs.”

One person displaced by house fire in Prince George’s County

In a statement, the George Washington University Hospital Nurses Union said it was “deeply saddened to have learned of the elimination of certain positions and subsequent firing and/or demotion of GWUH staff.”

There were no announcements from the CEO or CNO and no word on plans prior to the layoff announcements, the statement continued.

“We are in a profession of caring and UHS has demonstrated that they are not. Our patients and staff deserve better,” the statement concluded.

GWUH said that, in total, about 60 staff members were impacted and less than 3% of the workforce were eliminated. The majority, according to the hospital, were offered other positions in the organization.

Owner of Shih Tzu killed by another dog inside DC CVS warning others

“Most of these positions are not directly involved in the front line of patient care delivery,” the hospital stated.

“All impacted employees have been valued members of our team, and we are treating them with dignity and respect during this difficult time. We are making every effort to support impacted employees, including transitioning the majority to other currently open positions or providing eligible employees with a separation package,” GWUH continued.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.