Kootenai Health is cutting 80 jobs

North Idaho's largest employer says rising costs, led by a $60 million-plus jump in its yearly drug bill, are behind the cuts. Workers are being told this week.

Kootenai Health, North Idaho's largest health care system and largest employer, confirmed Monday, Nov. 9, that it is eliminating 80 positions, the Coeur d'Alene Press reported. That is roughly 2% of its workforce of more than 4,500.

WHAT THE HOSPITAL SAID

- The cuts are "in areas where we need to improve efficiency." Kootenai Health has not said which departments or jobs.
- Notices to the people affected are underway or will go out later this week.
- Chief Executive Officer Jamie Smith said the changes "were not made lightly" and "follow extensive evaluation of our operations and thoughtful discussions with leaders across the organization."
- Smith said the system is committed to "treating every caregiver with compassion, respect and transparency."

WHY

Kootenai Health said it faces mounting costs. Its yearly drug expenses have risen by more than $60 million over the past two years, it said, because it lost its 340B Disproportionate Share Hospital status. That federal program, run by the Health Resources and Services Administration, gives qualifying hospitals steep discounts on drugs. Smith also pointed to recent federal and state legislation.

BY THE NUMBERS

- 80 positions eliminated
- About 2% of the workforce
- More than 4,500 employees
- 397 beds at the main hospital in Coeur d'Alene
- Kootenai Health is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

WHAT WE DON'T KNOW YET

Which jobs, whether any are nursing or bedside roles, and whether patient services will change. We will update this story when Kootenai Health says more.