The North Bay Regional Health Centre is cutting up to 40 jobs, the hospital reported in a news release on Thursday.

The job cuts are part of “difficult, but necessary adjustments” to reduce the hospital’s annual budget by $5.6 million.

“We have done everything in our power to meet our financial target and find savings equal to two per cent of our budget,” said North Bay Regional Health Centre president and CEO Paul Heinrich, in a news release.

“Hospitals face a number of complex challenges including operational pressures, financial constraints and an increased demand for services. Our priority is always to protect and maintain access to health care.”

The hospital noted that fewer than 40 people could lose their jobs because 14 new positions will be added during the same period, and the

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