PeaceHealth, the nonprofit healthcare network headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, has announced the elimination of ninety-four positions across its facilities in the state as part of a broader systemwide reduction and operational realignment.

The layoffs are scheduled to take effect on April twelfth and will impact employees at several Washington locations, including PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver and other regional sites.

PeaceHealth filed a required layoff notice with the Washington Employment Security Department under the state’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, signalling the planned workforce reduction.

The ninety-four job eliminations represent less than one percent of the health system’s total workforce.

The affected roles include a wide range of clinical and support positions, from registered nurses and medical assistants to patient access representatives and administrative staff.

In counties such as Whatcom, multiple positions — including mental health therapists, clinical social workers, a director of nursing and various coordinator roles — are among those slated for elimination.

PeaceHealth noted that union bumping rights and collective bargaining arrangements could affect which specific employees are ultimately laid off.

PeaceHealth described the reduction as part of a strategic effort to modernise operations and care delivery amid a rapidly shifting healthcare landscape.

In a statement, the organisation said the decision followed extensive analysis and was aimed at realigning services to better meet community needs, address ongoing financial pressures and sustain its commitment to coordinated, patient-centred care.

PeaceHealth emphasised that the changes reflect an effort to provide “more convenient, cost-effective and innovative services.”

The announcement has drawn criticism from healthcare unions, which argue that cuts to caregiver roles could strain service capacity and compromise access to care.

The Oregon Nurses Association, representing workers in the broader PeaceHealth network, said leadership’s choices risk undermining quality care and noted a history of facility closures and prior layoffs.

Union representatives contend that reduced staffing inevitably leads to longer waits and greater burdens on remaining staff.

The latest layoffs follow previous workforce reductions by PeaceHealth in recent years, including cuts to both clinical and administrative positions as the system has navigated financial headwinds.

As the Pacific Northwest healthcare provider continues its realignment, the impact on patient services and local healthcare staffing remains a key concern for communities across Washington state.