HONOLULU (KHON2) — Queen’s Health Systems said it is eliminating or changing nearly 100 positions within the organization in response to challenges affecting the industry.

On Thursday, Feb. 6, the hospital said it needs to change or eliminate less than one percent of the organization’s positions.

Currently, there are about 9,500 people working for Queen’s statewide, and one percent would be about 95 people or positions.

Queen’s President and CEO Jason Chang said in a statement:

“In response to the evolving needs of the communities we serve, the technological advances that have changed healthcare delivery, and the challenges affecting healthcare sustainability across the country, we have taken a careful look at our operations, aimed at finding ways to enhance our effectiveness and efficiency. This was done in order to determine what is necessary to continue to uphold the legacy of our Founders, Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV, of providing quality healthcare services to improve the well-being of all the people of Hawaiʻi over the long term.

This process included identifying areas where needs have changed and/or where services could be delivered more efficiently. While the resulting changes will ultimately make us stronger in the long term, one consequence is the need to change or eliminate positions. Less than one percent of our organizations is being impacted by these changes. For those affected, we are deeply committed to supporting them as they explore other opportunities, both within our health system, where we have a number of openings, as well as externally. We fully understand the personal and professional impact this decision has, and we are providing them with resources to assist with applications and job searches. Throughout this transition, our focus remains on delivering the compassionate, high-quality care that our patients deserve.”

Many workers were caught by surprise.

Late Thursday afternoon, the Senate Chair for Health and Human Services called the hospital to ask for more details.

“From what I have heard, those layoffs are not supposed to affect day-to-day and regular activities, they are supposed to be surplus workers no longer needed post-Covid-19,” explained Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura (D) Chair, Health and Human Services.

Queen’s told KHON2 that no specialties or departments would be eliminated but didn’t provide additional details.

This comes as the state has seen many healthcare strikes and a shortage of workers.

“My only hope is the shortage is so vast that we can absorb them in other places like Straub, Kaiser, other places will be able to absorb them,” added Sen. San Buenaventura.

Lawmakers said the cost of living makes it difficult to keep workers in the state.

Hawaii does offer a loan repayment program which they say has been successful.

“One thing we’re doing this legislative session is putting together a bill to provide a loan repayment within our healthcare professions, it started out for doctor shortage but we’re going to be expanding it to include a lot more healthcare workers,” said Representative Sue l. Keohokapu-Lee Loy (D) Hilo – Vice Chair House Committee on Health.