The Associated Press

LAFAYETTE - State budget cuts will result in 84 fewer employees by the end of the year at University Medical Center, the charity hospital for the Lafayette area.

Hospital spokesman Jerry Romig said the cuts will not affect patient care. Jobs have been cut across the board, including nurses, clerical workers and technicians. Since July, 56 jobs have been eliminated, Romig said.

"UMC's determination is not to close beds and not to reduce services. There will be longer waits for patients, but the services will still be there."

Romig said he did not have the exact dollar amount of cuts. But layoffs at charity hospitals throughout the state will mean some patients will be sent to other hospitals in the system, he said.