Howard University Hospital Plans Layoffs

By Greg Peppers

D.C.-based Howard University Hospital is in the midst of a major restructuring plan that calls for layoffs.

The hospital is offering few details about the planned job cuts.

It issued a statement that says, "to continue to provide the best services possible, the hospital has initiated a comprehensive plan that includes the restructuring of personnel and programs."

The statement also says the plan will allow the hospital to remain fiscally viable in these financially difficult times.

It doesn't offer details on which departments in the hospital will be affected by the layoffs or when the jobs cut will take place.

The restructuring is being done in the midst of declining occupancy rates at the hospital.

Last year Howard reported a 57 percent annualized occupancy rate, but since 2005, the rate has declined by 21 percent.

Howard University is the area's fifth largest hospital and a top level trauma center.