MINNEAPOLIS, June 30, 2008—Fargo's MeritCare health system is giving more details about cutbacks in its work force.

The largest health care system in North Dakota aims to lay off about 90 employees and close a clinic in Lamoure, ND.

MeritCare health system officials say most of the workers who will lose their jobs are in professional and technical positions. About 90 others will have their hours reduced.

MeritCare also says it will leave unfilled about 120 positions that were either vacant or recently opened.

The changes will affect about 50 nursing positions. No doctors will be affected.

MeritCare's president, Roger Gilbertson, M.D., says the cuts are necessary because the hospital is losing money.

MeritCare employs about 7,500 people at hospitals and clinics in eastern North Dakota and western Winnesota. Gilbertson says the cuts represent about one percent of the company's work force and about 9 million dollars in salaries and benefits.

Source: Fargo Forum