Fort Bragg hospital lays off 20 in cost-cutting move

<p>Mendocino Coast District Hospital has laid off 20 employees in an effort to save $1.5 million per year in wages and benefits.</p><p>The action followed losses of nearly $1.9 million during the first six months of the hospital's fiscal year.</p><p>"The reductions will not compromise patient quality and/or safety," hospital CEO/CFO Wayne Allen said in a statement. "I do not expect additional cuts in the foreseeable future."</p><p>The Fort Bragg hospital filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in October in an effort to save the facility from drowning in debt.</p><p>The cuts, effective Feb. 12, were based on seniority, and affected employees will receive severance pay.</p><p>"As I promised the board at our last meeting, the poor financial performance is not sustainable and action steps would be taken to reduce our losses for the year," Allen said.</p>