Hospital mass layoffs lower in 2011 than at height of recession :: Feb. 2, 2012 … American Medical News

The number of mass layoffs at hospitals decreased for 2011 compared with 2008, 2009 and 2010, when the recession and the ensuing economic hangover were in full force.

According to data released Jan. 25 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 121 mass layoffs occurred in the hospital setting, leading to 8,098 people claiming unemployment benefits in 2011.

Mass layoffs are defined as affecting at least 50 employees. The layoffs at hospitals are not broken down by occupation, although they tend to affect nonclinical employees much more than clinical staff. In fact, several reports say hospitals are accelerating plans to hire more physicians.

Although the number of mass layoffs and jobs lost were high compared with most years, they were an improvement from recent times.

via amednews: Hospital mass layoffs lower in 2011 than at height of recession :: Feb. 2, 2012 … American Medical News.