Norman Regional Health System announced Monday it has laid off 300 employees, even cutting entire clinics.

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The hospital system said it has eliminated 10% of its workforce across the board. Exactly where those cuts were made isn’t clear, but those layoffs include some of the open positions that will not be filled.

“This action was necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability and independence of Norman Regional. Like many health systems across the country, we are facing rising costs, workforce shortages, and declining reimbursement. These challenges demand bold, proactive steps to preserve our ability to serve the community with high-quality, locally governed healthcare,” the hospital system said in a statement.


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Aaron Boyd, CEO and president of Norman Regional Health System, said this was one of the hardest decisions the hospital has had to make. It comes after they debated bringing another partner into the management but ultimately decided to remain independent.

“We are deeply grateful for the service and dedication of every team member impacted. These reductions are not a reflection of their contributions, but a necessary step to ensure our system remains viable. We are committed to supporting each individual through this transition and to honoring their time with us,” Boyd said in a statement.

The Oklahoma Hospital Association told KOCO that hospitals across the state are feeling the burn right now.

“Admissions are down. ER admissions are down. Inpatient and outpatient admissions are down, and so, that might be a seasonal effect where we are currently today, but more than that there is a lot of uncertainty out there in the hospital community,” Rich Rasmussen with the Oklahoma Hospital Association said.


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In a letter sent to employees, Norman Regional apologized to employees who were fired.

“While the moment is painful, it is also part of a bold transformation. Operation Independence is designed to secure our future, maintain local control, and ensure that Norman Regional remains a trusted health partner for generations to come,

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the letter said.

The letter told the employees who are staying that this is part of the transformation to secure their future and remain part of the community.


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