Baptist Health to lay off 150 at Fort Smith campus amid restructuring

April 30, 2026 - 19:28

Baptist Health has announced plans to lay off 150 employees at its Fort Smith campus as part of a broader strategic restructuring. The health system cited ongoing financial losses as the driving force behind the cuts, which are intended to streamline operations and improve long-term stability.

The layoffs will affect a range of positions across the facility, though officials emphasized that direct patient care roles will be preserved as much as possible. In a statement, Baptist Health leadership described the decision as difficult but necessary to address mounting financial pressures. The organization has faced declining revenues and rising operational costs over recent quarters, a trend that has forced similar moves at other regional hospitals.

Employees affected by the layoffs will receive severance packages and access to outplacement services, according to the company. The restructuring is expected to be completed within the next few months. Baptist Health operates multiple campuses across Arkansas and Oklahoma, and the Fort Smith location has been a key part of its network. The announcement comes as healthcare systems nationwide grapple with labor shortages, inflation, and shifts in patient volume.