KOSCIUSKO, Miss. – You will see fewer workers at the Montfort Jones Memorial Hospital in Kosciusko. Thirty-five people were laid off because a worsening financial situation according to hospital administrators. That is 22 percent of the hospital’s workforce.
The layoffs included 3 registered nurses, 11 licensed practical nurses, 10 certified nursing assistants, 4.5 respiratory therapy positions, 3 environmental services positions, 2 business office positions, a maintenance position, and 2 part-time laboratory positions. John Dawson, hospital CEO, said at least 3 employees eligible for retirement will retire. The hospital will also cut the hours worked per pay period for employees in departments like pharmacy, radiology, and others. Also, the hospital will close its Senior Care Unit, and Intensive Outpatient Program.
You may remember the hospital also had nursing staff layoffs after a major expansion three years ago.
Kosciusko has a strong medical presence in central Mississippi. Their medical infrastructure has served surrounding counties and communities for years and will continue to do so, but with a weakened hospital as the centerpiece.
Also, the city’s economy took another serious blow last year when M&F Bank, which had its headquarters in Kosciusko for decades, merged with Renasant, whose headquarters are now in Tupelo.
