Edward-Elmhurst Health cuts 234 positions

Edward-Elmhurst Health has cut 234 jobs, 84 which were filled by current employees and others that will not be filled, as the three-hospital health system attempts to reduce costs by $50 million.

Spokesman Keith Hartenberger released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying those employees have received severance packages and "comprehensive outplacement services."

Hartenberger said the cuts were made "throughout" the system.

"This was a difficult decision, but necessary to ensure the long-term future of the system," the statement read.

"At the same time, we are working to reduce nonlabor costs in a variety of ways - pursuing savings on vendor contracts and purchases of supplies and drugs, for example."

According to the statement, the health system remains financially strong.

"The moves we've made will allow us to provide and grow the quality services our patients have come to expect," the statement says.

Edward-Elmhurst operates Edward Hospital in Naperville, Elmhurst Hospital and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health in Naperville.