Layoffs to hit Cooley Dickinson hard

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - There are more layoffs on the way for Cooley Dickinson Hospital employees. 

Christina Trinchero, the spokesperson from Cooley Dickinson Hospital told 22News that anywhere from 20 to 25 people will be laid off.

She said a more definate number will be released Monday, November 9th.

It's a situation that's already causing protests.

The Registered Nurses Association of Massachusetts will be holding an informational picket at the hospital on Monday, November 9th.

But, Cooley Dickinson says these layoffs are a result of difficult economic times.

They say they are under pressure to reduce costs.

 It's a situation that's causing some residents to question how this will affect their quality of care.

22News spoke with Ducile Trowbridge of Amherst who said, "I'm concerned about the wait time. The level of care, the expertise and I'm concerned about the people being laid off and not having jobs."

Cooley Dickinson also laid off 81 employees last November. They say this year's layoffs are considerably less than last year's.

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