Memorial Hospital, the largest hospital in Harrison County, began laying off employees on Tuesday. 

The cuts are due to increased costs brought on by the pandemic, according to a statement released by the hospital.

Fewer than 90 people, or 2% of the hospital’s workforce, were laid off, and none of the positions involved direct patient care, according to the statement. No additional layoffs are expected, and no service lines will be shuttered. 

“These difficult steps will help ensure the long-term sustainability of our health system so we can continue to offer the same services to our community,” CEO Kent Nicaud said. “We are committed to providing high-quality care close to home.”

Affected employees can apply for Memorial’s dozens of open positions, the hospital said, and Memorial will offer career placement services. 

Memorial has sustained big financial losses in recent years. Just a year ago, the hospital laid off and demoted several top administrators, citing financial strain prompted by the pandemic. 

It’s the latest hospital to make cuts amid the state’s health care crisis.

Recently, Alliance Healthcare System in Holly Springs ended inpatient care, Singing River in Gulfport suspended obstetric services, and Greenwood Leflore closed its labor and delivery department.

One report puts a third of Mississippi’s rural hospitals at risk of closure, with a half of those at risk of closure within three years. 

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