Boston Medical Center Cuts Staff, Services

Boston Medical Center is making cuts to staff and services to deal with a massive reduction in state aid.

The hospital said Wednesday that 250 people from various departments will either lose their jobs or have their hours reduced, though a spokeswoman could not give a specific breakdown.

The hospital also said it will save $35 million by reducing capital spending and deferring several major projects.

Boston Medical Center says state budget cuts mean $84 million less in state supplemental payments and a $30 million reduction in Medicaid rates. The hospital said state government would pay just 64 cents of every dollar it costs to give care to low income patients.

Hospital CEO Elaine Ullian said the cuts disproportionately affected the hospital because more than half its patients are low income.