EAST STROUDSBURG -- Nurses have been laid off at Lehigh Valley Hospital Pocono in Monroe County.
Officials with the nurses' union tell Newswatch 16, 55 registered nurses were laid off Friday morning at the hospital in East Stroudsburg effective immediately.
Addition to those layoffs, the union says hours will be cut for dozens of more nurses at the facility.
A spokesperson for Lehigh Valley Hospital Pocono has not confirmed those numbers but says the changes are meant to make the hospital here more efficient.
Renee Vargas from Bushkill left Lehigh Valley Hospital Pocono with his mother who often has appointments at the place. He says he's concerned about some registered nurses at the hospital being laid off.
"Primary care is so important. I mean my mom, my dad, I wish they would think about senior citizens as well as everyone else that lives in the town."
The nurses' union announced 55 registered nurses were cut this week and 13 registered nurses were laid off last month.
A hospital spokesman would not give specific numbers but says the changes are meant to make the hospital in East Stroudsburg more efficient.
Some people worry the changes might do the opposite.
"I have a family member in here right now and just staying in the ER for about six or seven hours. You can see there is a shortage," said Kim Dyckman.
Some patients who frequently use this hospital tell us layoffs of any kind are never good. They fear if more keep happening, people may have to go elsewhere.
"It's the local hospital. This is the place to go and I am on my way to use this hospital, I am dependent on this nursing staff," Elizabeth Tompkins said.
Tompkins has several friends who are nurses inside the hospital. She feels sorry for those who lost or are at risk of losing their jobs.
"I can't imagine. I mean it's their livelihood and we need them more than anything."
Nurses' union officials also say that hours will be cut for dozens more nurses at the facility.
Hospital officials say they cannot confirm any numbers until the process is complete.