Allen County -
A big announcement today from the biggest employer in Allen County. St. Rita's Health Partners is eliminating managers and support personnel from its staff.
60 workers from the organization received letters today, letting them know they no longer have a job. Your News Now talked with President and CEO of St. Rita's Brian Smith, and he says technology changes are a big reason for the cuts.
Early this summer, St. Rita's implemented the Carepath electronic medical record system, which eliminates the need for medical transcription positions. Before, someone would transcribe the physician's words, but now doctor's can put in that information themselves. Smith says even though the cuts are hard to make, it's better for the patient, and that is the organization's number one priority.
The overwhelming need to provide free or discounted care as well as to shrink their management footprint is also contributing to job cuts. However, Smith says employees impacted by the decision will not be hung out to dry.
According to St. Rita's administrators, 97 percent of employees will not be directly affected by the cuts. However, there is a concern that more layoffs could be made in the future because of significant cuts to medicare and other federal programs.
