By By Dan Hounsell

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed nearly every aspect of healthcare facilities, from the physical layout of buildings to the activities that take place inside them. And beyond the staggering human toll the illness has wrought, it is having another kind of human impact.

The resulting financial problems are forcing hundreds of hospitals across the nation to furlough, lay off or reduce pay for workers, and others have had to scale back services or close, according to Becker’s Hospital Review. Lower patient volume, canceled elective procedures and higher expenses tied to the pandemic have created a cash crunch, and hospitals are taking steps to offset financial damage. Executives, clinicians and other staff are taking pay cuts, capital projects are being put on hold, and some employees are losing their jobs. More than 260 hospitals and health systems furloughed workers in the last year, and dozens of others have implemented layoffs.