(Richmond, IN)--  Below are transcripts from two newscasts that aired Wednesday morning regarding a major announcement by Reid Health.  The full release can be viewed at reidhealth.org.

REID MAIN:  A major restructuring which includes layoffs and the closure of departments is impacting Reid Health.  Reid, which is, by far, Wayne County’s largest employer did not put a specific number on the amount of layoffs in a release yesterday, but it did cite numerous reasons.  Those reasons include reduced volumes, especially in inpatient services, skyrocketing labor and supply costs driven by high inflation, and difficulty receiving timely payment from various insurance providers.  In the release, Reid CEO Craig Kinyon said that the current model is not sustainable and that it has forced Reid to reduce costs and be more efficient.  Among the layoffs are members of middle and upper-level management.  All affected employees have the opportunity to apply for other positions.  According to the EDC, Reid has 3000 employees.  That’s four times as many as Richmond Community Schools, which ranks second.  And, we’ll have more on Reid, including the departments that are closing, coming up at the bottom of the hour.

ALT REID:  Skyrocketing costs and tightening reimbursements from commercial and governmental payers are among the reasons cited in Reid Health’s announcement yesterday that they are reducing the number of employees by an undisclosed amount and closing departments.  Reid will close the Reid Employee Wellness, Sports Performance, and Massage Therapy departments along with the HealthWorks Fitness Center in Connersville.  HealthWorks will close on July 31.  The Reid Health Governing Board has been working with a consultant to identify opportunities to streamline organizational operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiencies.  We’ll have lots more on Reid coming up at the top of the hour.