Fewer patients force hospital cuts

Pressed by economic forces and, in some cases, decreased demand for patient services, several Ventura County hospitals are eliminating jobs and flirting with layoffs. About 33 jobs, including about 30 registered nursing positions, are planned to be cut at St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo, according to union officials. They said negotiations with the hospitals continue. For the full story click here