N.Y. public system to lay off up to 40 doctors

Up to 40 doctors working for Nassau Health Care Corp., East Meadow, N.Y., will be let go because of unanticipated cost increases in the New York state retirement program. More layoffs could follow at the beginning of next year, officials said. The public agency, which runs 1,370-bed Nassau University Medical Center, seven community health centers and an extended-care facility, expected to pay $1.5 million in pension costs this year but was hit with a $10 million bill, said Shelley Lotenberg, a spokeswoman for the agency. Pension costs will rise to $27 million in 2004, Lotenberg said. The layoffs affect all specialties and all areas of the network, including community health centers. In January 2002, the agency laid off approximately 350 employees because of ongoing fiscal concerns. -- by Cinda Becker