NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Up to 650 employees of Vanderbilt University Medical Center are losing their jobs after budget cuts in the nation's capital affected research funding.

According to a statement from the hospital, the layoffs account for about 2% of VUMC's total workforce.

"In response to the impact of budgetary actions in Washington, DC, related to government-sponsored research and patient care, VUMC is reducing operating costs by more than $300 million and reducing its workforce," VUMC said in a statement to News 2.

The layoffs affect "up to 650 of our valued colleagues working primarily in research, administrative and other support areas."

"While this is extremely difficult, the staffing loss represents less than 2% of VUMC's total workforce. To support affected employees, VUMC is providing severance packages and other assistance," the hospital said in a statement.

VUMC further affirmed its commitment to "meeting the needs of all who depend on us for health care," including the more than 3.5 million patients it receives annually.

"To accommodate the growing demand for care, VUMC is continuing to hire frontline clinical staff for the opening of the 180-bed Jim Ayers Tower later this year," the hospital told News 2.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/vumc-laying-off-up-to-650-employees-amid-research-funding-cuts/