MultiCare Health System filed a formal notice with the Washington Employment Security Department indicating that it will separate 138 workers from its hospitals and clinics across the state. The layoffs are scheduled to occur between Oct. 27, 2026 and Jan. 1, 2027.
King County locations see the largest reductions
In south King County, the greatest number of separations will be among clinical assistant nurse managers (22 positions) and certified ophthalmology assistants (10 positions). Additional cuts include eight patient experience representatives I, six ophthalmology assistants and six staff members at optometrist clinics. The remaining 86 positions span a variety of roles, each affecting between one and four employees. None of the workers affected are represented by a union.
Other affected sites in the region
Several Tacoma facilities will also see staff reductions, including the 5th & L Building (419 S L St.), Allenmore Hospital (1901 S Union Ave.), Baker Center (316 Martin Luther King Jr. Way), Commencement Plaza (820 A St., Suite 200), Indigo (310 North K St.), Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital (305 S L St.) and Tacoma General Hospital (315 Martin Luther King Jr. Way). In Puyallup, the MultiCare University campus (1317 E Main) and the Richard C. Ostenson Cancer Center (400 15th Ave. SE) are among the locations slated for cuts.
Spokane closures add to the impact
Beyond the western part of the state, MultiCare will close six sites in Spokane and Spokane Valley. The specific facilities were not listed in the notice, but the closures are part of the broader workforce adjustment plan.
What this means for the community
MultiCare’s announcement follows a period of rising health‑care costs and staffing challenges statewide. While the company has not provided a detailed rationale, it cited operational needs in its filing. The layoffs will affect a range of front‑line and support staff who provide essential services to patients throughout Washington.
Employees who receive separation notices are eligible for the state’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) program, which offers resources such as job‑search assistance, training grants and unemployment benefits. More information about the WARN filings can be found on the Washington Employment Security Department website.
Community leaders and health‑care advocates are urging MultiCare to prioritize redeployment of staff wherever possible and to communicate clearly with affected families. The health‑care sector remains a critical employer in the region, and the loss of jobs could have ripple effects on local economies, especially in smaller towns that rely on hospital payrolls.
For a complete list of the affected locations and to view the official layoff notice, visit the Washington Employment Security Department’s WARN database and search for “MultiCare Health System.”
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
