LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)—Lafayette General Heath is cutting 70 jobs at four of its hospitals.

The health care network said there are a number of reasons cuts had to be made which include a combination of reimbursement changes, a decrease in state and federal funding, and the downturn in the oil and gas industry are some of the reasons for the cuts according to David Callecod, Lafayette General Heath system President.

The impacted employees received noticed yesterday and today. The network said the cuts make up less than 2% of its 4,000 employees.

Callecod said the cuts are at the system level and will reduce redundancies and the system didn’t cut clinical jobs or bedside positions.

According to Callecod, the job reductions should save the system millions of dollars.

The impacted employees are from Lafayette General Medical Center, University Hospital and Clinics, Lafayette General Southwest, and Acadia General Hospital in Cowley.

The heath care network will also reduce its use of contract nurses. Callecod said LGH nurses will pick up that work.

The system is looking at a $7-million reduction from the state, according to Callecod.

He also said because of higher patient co-pays and deductibles, many patients can’t afford to pay their bills.

“Unfortunately this right-sizing has to occur in order for us to continue to be the strong hospital system that we are. And so yes it certainly could have been more but our team has done a great job in lowering our costs and service contracts and several other areas that minimize the impact of this change.” Said Callecod.

The changes should take effect in the next 30 days.