As a result of implementing Epic, Lewiston, Maine-based Central Maine Healthcare is planning to lay off 38 IT workers, Sun Journal reported April 28.
A spokesperson for the health system system told the publication that the reductions are tied to the retirement of legacy systems and overlapping roles. No patient care positions are affected.
The layoffs come after Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare Foundation acquired Central Maine Healthcare in February and began implementing Epic as part of a broader modernization effort. Prime has committed to investing $150 million over five years to upgrade the health system’s facilities, services and infrastructure.
In a statement to Becker’s, Prime said the workforce changes reflect broader operational alignment efforts.
“As we align operations with best practices, leverage technology, and implement Epic … a small number of positions connected to legacy systems or duplicated functions will be consolidated,” a spokesperson for Prime said. “Approximately 38 positions, representing less than 1.5% of the workforce, are affected, and no direct patient care roles are impacted. Affected team members are encouraged to apply for open positions across the organization.”
The spokesperson added that the changes are expected to support long-term improvements in care quality.
Prime Healthcare Foundation operates 21 hospitals nationwide.
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