W. Mass. Hospital System Cuts 350 Jobs

The parent company of three western Massachusetts hospitals including Baystate Medical Center in Springfield has announced that it's cutting more than 350 jobs to help deal with a projected $25 million deficit this fiscal year.

A spokeswoman for Baystate Health said Wednesday that 158 of the layoffs will occur at Baystate Medical Center; six will come ay Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware; and five will be made at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield. In addition, 185 positions currently vacant will not be filled.

The cuts to management and staff are effective Aug. 19.

Baystate Health chief executive Mark Tolosky called it a "somber day."

Baystate Health is the region's largest private employer with more than 10,000 workers.

Hospital officials blame the cuts on inadequate state reimbursements for health care.