The unhealthy US economy is now impacting MUSC. Constricted cash flow is forcing the well respected hospital to reduce its staffing policy.

"Like hospitals throughout the country we're seeing a more sluggish economy, our reimbursement levels are lower than what they've been so we're looking at different ways to be more fiscally responsible," said MUSC’s Heather Woolwine.

Officials believe a way to save money is to staff areas of the hospital based on patient volume.

"If the volume's not there patient-wise, then they may lose a shift that week," Woolwine said.

Other hospitals in our area have been using this staffing model for years.  Still some clients worry that it may affect patient care, others take the wait and see approach.

"I think you can go either way.  In my wife's case, it's still a good thing in some other patients, it might not work out to be a good thing," said Jim Jones who has family in the hospital.

Despite the cutbacks we were told that MUSC is not planning on laying off workers.

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