FAIRMONT — Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont says it plans to cut 17 jobs involving nursing staff and the facility’s Progressive Care Unit.

Mayo’s announcement Wednesday followed a Sentinel request for information, as there are rumblings in the community about impending job losses at the city’s largest employer.

Mayo issued a statement late Wednesday afternoon, with the document attributed to Dr. Marie Morris, medical director at Mayo-Fairmont and Laura Evenson, regional chief nursing director for the Mayo system.

“After carefully assessing the need to align staffing levels with our average daily hospital census, it was determined there is a need to reduce nursing staff in the hospital and Progressive Care Unit at Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont by 17 positions,” they said. “Staffing decisions are based on patient need and always meet regulatory staffing level requirements.”

The changes take effect Dec. 9.

Mayo says it has in place assistance through the Employee Transition Career Center to help those affected find and apply for new jobs across the region and organization.

The Mayo statement continued: “The changes also will include transitioning PCU beds to standard hospital beds (med/surg), as the majority of hospitalized patients can be cared for in med/surg. Critical-care telemedicine that connects to intensive care experts in Rochester remains an option for hospitalized patients in need of a higher level of care.”

It also states that Mayo Clinic Health System leaders have a responsibility to ensure the organization is efficient, effective and staffed appropriately.

“We must continue to adapt to a rapidly changing health care environment while remaining viable so that we can deliver high-quality care to Fairmont and its surrounding communities well into the future,” the statement said.