Allina says up to 350 jobs to be cut; two Sartell clinics included in cuts
by The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS -- Allina Hospitals and Clinics is cutting up to 350 jobs, or as much as 1.5 percent of its workforce.

Spokesman David Kanihan says the cuts would be made across many job categories. Kanihan blamed rising bad debt and expected cutbacks in state reimbursement rates.

Kanihan also said Allina's investment portfolio isn't doing as well as anticipated.

Kanihan said Allina began notifying workers this week. The company has more than 23,000 workers in Minnesota, in 11 hospitals and more than 60 clinics.

Allina announced this week it was closing its two Abbott Northwestern clinics in Sartell. 

Abbott spokeswoman Gloria O'Connell says the last day they'll be open will be November 26th. 
She says the two clinics see about 500 patients a month.  They're working with other area clinics to take the patients. 

O'Connell says there are a total of 11 employees -- including three doctors -- affected by the closing. 

Abbott Northwestern has operated the Sartell clinics since 2002.