HERSHEY -- Making the $22 million budget cuts at the University's Hershey Medical Center has been a grueling process for those involved, but many center officials and employees seem to be breathing a little easier.

Allan Anderson, vice president and chief operating officer of the center and director of University hospitals, said layoffs will be lower than originally expected -- only about 50 people will be laid off instead of 100.

"This is possible because of other principles established," Anderson told the University Board of Trustees Friday.

As of March 15, the medical center had reduced costs by $14,625,044. Alternative methods to save money have been employed throughout the system and a hiring freeze has also been implemented.

Besides reassigning people and eliminating vacant positions, the center has made other efforts to reduce expenses, increase efficiency and keep its costs competitive. Officials have said repeatedly that layoffs would be a last resort.

Although employees working at the center are pleased with the low numbers, some are still worried about their jobs and where the cuts will take place.

"If you're the lowest on the totem pole, you're the first to go," said Richard Buse, hospital mortician, adding that he was relieved the numbers were low.

Buse has worked at the center for three years. Although he is the youngest in his department, he feels secure because his department is already understaffed.

"There's always a chance of it happening again in the future," he said. "I'm not out of the woods, but it certainly looks a lot better."

But several employees were reluctant to comment because they are afraid they may be laid off. One employee, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of losing her job, said although she was happy layoffs were minimal, the consequences will still be difficult.

"The (employees) that are left behind have to pick up the workload," she said. "You're never happy with layoffs."

Since July, 127 vacant positions have been eliminated and 18 employees have been reassigned. Other employees accepted early retirement or opted to work part time instead of full time.

"We believe this is a significant achievement -- enlisting faculty and staff throughout the medical center," Anderson said.