CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) — The Western Maryland Health System in Cumberland says it plans to eliminate some jobs as it seeks to reduce costs by 10 to 15 percent over the next five years.

The Cumberland Times-News reported Thursday that the cuts will include two senior management jobs and the elimination of many positions that are now vacant.

Chief Executive Officer Barry Ronan says the health system ended its fiscal year in June with an operating loss of $8 million and a net loss of $1.9 million.  The cuts are intended to save $6 million to $8 million this year.

Ronan says an expected reduction in public spending on Medicare and Medicaid programs makes it imperative that health system reduce its costs.

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