Providence Hospital in Columbia cutting 56 jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A Columbia hospital system is laying off more than 50 workers.

Providence Hospitals said Monday it is eliminating 56 jobs because of changes in the health care industry.

The hospital system also laid off 19 workers in April 2011.

Providence says the layoffs will save nearly $6 million.

President and CEO George Zara says one reason for the latest reductions is the increase in outpatient care. Zara says the system has also suffered reduced payments for hospital and physician services.

Zara says there also has been an increase in uninsured patients because of the area’s unemployment rates.

Providence has about 2,000 employees in the Columbia area. It has two hospitals, 13 physician practices, a network of rehabilitation centers, three sleep centers and a chest-pain center.