Hospital trims staff’s hours in budget-cutting move

MERIDIAN — A Meridian hospital has reduced hours for its staff in what is described as a budgetary move.

Anderson Hospital CEO Ray Humphreys tells WTOK-TV hours have been trimmed from 40 per week to 36. He says it covers everyone except those in jobs considered critical.

Humphreys says the hospital has experienced a $1.4 million reduction in Medicaid reimbursement and treated more uninsured patients. He says there is a seasonal decline in patient numbers.

And Humphreys says the hospital has not met its budget.

Humphreys says the hours are expected to be restored with the start of the new year.