The Saskatoon Health Region is bracing for layoffs as it faces its worst deficit on record.
Dan Florizone, the region’spresident and CEO, told media Thursday the region is projecting a $45-million deficit in its 2015-16 budget.
“When we’re looking at $45 million, obviously something has to give,” he said.
The region has seen a 15 per cent increase in demand over the last five years, but only a six per cent increase in expenses and 3.5 per cent increase in revenue — meaning the region’s finances can’t keep up with its workload.
All hospitals are currently overcapacity, and the situation is likely to get worse in January. The region is expecting 120 more patients than the health region has beds, according to Florizone.
He didn’t clarify how many staff will be laid off, but said some jobs would be cut before Christmas.
“People are not wanting to hear this and I’m the last person to… want to tell you this, but the fact of the matter is we need to bring our monthly spending down $4 million,” he said.
New programs to curb spending — specifically, to reduce overtime and sick-time expenses — have so far been successful, but their success came too late to tackle the projected deficit, Florizone said.
More information on the expected layoffs should be released within the next two weeks.
