Memorial Health Systems this afternoon announced layoffs of several hundred people at their hospitals in Springfield, Jacksonville, Taylorville, and Lincoln, due to what they're calling the current national and statewide economic trends negatively affecting the healthcare industry.

In a written statement to Regional Radio News, spokesperson Angie Muhs in the release said Memorial is restructuring to reduce its workforce with main focuses on leadership, administrative and support positions.   The statement went on to say several hundred employees are affected, including 20-percent of leadership positions across the organization.

The statement also said the reduction represents 5-percent of Memorial Health's total salary and benefits, and that departing employees will receive a severance package, health insurance stiped and support resources.   It also indicated some individuals may also be offered to transfer roles within the Memorial Health system.

It was not announced how many of the layoffs will specifically affect their Taylorville and Lincoln locations.

Memorial Health President and C-E-O Ed Curtis in the statement said the decisions were difficult and made after analysis and implementation of other cost-saving measures.   Curtis also cited the rising costs of supplies and equipment used by the Memorial Health system hospitals, plus the high cost of temporary labor and shifting trends in payer reimbursements.  Curtis concluded his portion of the statement by saying Memorial Health remains committed to providing the highest quality of care for the communities they're located in.