IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - University Hospitals in Iowa City has announced it will lay off 130 employees this week.
Officials say most layoff notices will begin Wednesday and continue on Thursday. The cuts represent the first of 200 positions that will be eliminated from the 6,600 work force at the hospital.
Hospital officials say the number of layoffs could fluctuate based on the number of people who opt for early retirement or leave through normal attrition.
Officials say administrative staff will be hardest hit by the job cuts. Direct patient care positions, such as nurses, will be protected.
The University of Iowa must cut $45 million from his fiscal year 2010 budget to achieve a 1 percent operating margin.