The head of Southern Health says they are trimming 19, mostly middle to upper management positions across the region.

Chief Executive Officer Jane Curtis says the provincial government is making changes to ensure a more sustainable health system in the future. As a result, the province has mandated a 15 percent reduction in non-unionized management positions. Curtis says every region was asked to look at their management positions and identify 15 percent to be reduced.

Curtis says this hasn't been easy.

"These employees are valued members of our organization and they've made great contributions," she says. "To let them go has been very difficult."

Most of the individuals have already been notified and the move then takes effect immediately. Southern Health will not be publicly sharing their names or positions.

"Our intention is that we will redistribute the work amongst the existing employees and managers and so that there is going to be very little impact to patient care," assures Curtis.

Going forward, the move is expected to save Southern Health an estimated $1.1 million per year.