FORT KENT (AP) – Northern Maine Medical Center is the state’s latest hospital to cut expenses as it struggles during the economic downturn.

Chief Executive Officer Martin Bernstein said the 49-bed hospital has laid off 19 employees and cut back hours for 32 others. Other cost-cutting moves include keeping 18 open positions unfilled, freezing salaries for a year, delaying pension plan contributions and reducing the education budget.

The savings will add up to nearly $2.5 million.

Bernstein said the hospital lost three surgeons in recent months, resulting in a drop in patients. Fewer people are also coming to the hospital during the recession. He said the hospital’s bad debts and charity increased by $500,000 last year.