A budget shortfall will result in the loss of some Miami medical jobs.

Jackson Health System recently announced that it will lay off at least 21 employees in an effort to combat a budget deficit. WSVN reports that the hospital's Union for Healthcare Professionals is currently reviewing the list.

Union officials are concerned that reducing staff numbers will directly affect the type and quality of care available, as patient numbers have not changed. Some officials think the hospital should focus on collecting bills instead of making layoffs.

Those slated to lose their jobs are one attending physician and 20 associate nurse managers. Dr. Eneida Roldan, CEO of Jackson Health System, said the job cuts could lead to the Jackson South and North emergency rooms closing.

As JHS is currently facing a budget shortfall of more than $240 million, the hospital's executive team is hoping to cut 20 to 25 percent of the current budget. However, the jobs to be cut will only amount to $7.5 million.

Part of the reason that JHS is facing such a deficit is that it is considered to be one of the top three public hospitals in the country that performs charity care to help patients who can't normally pay for quality healthcare or insurance.

"None of these cuts have been taken lightly," Roldan said. "It is of no fault of one situation but of many complex and multi-factorial reasons, and the only thing I want to say to the residents of Miami-Dade County is that Jackson will continue with its doors open, Jackson will provide the quality of care, but Jackson will need to become a different system."

Labels: Miami medical jobs