WATERLOO - Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Iowa, formerly known as Covenant Health System, will cut about 80 positions over the next year because of worsening national economic conditions.

The health care provider will immediately layoff of 15 people who work at hospitals and clinics in Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Oelwein. The remaining cuts will come via retirements, voluntary layoffs and job restructuring, said Jack Dusenbery, WFHI president and chief executive officer.

Wheaton facilities employ 3,100 people and include Waterloo's Covenant Medical Center, Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar Falls, Mercy Hospital in Oelwein and Covenant Clinic, which has multiple locations. Wheaton officiald said the cuts could be spread throughout WFSI facilities.

"We have been working diligently on our cost structure in light of the national economic recession and local increase in un-reimbursed care," said Dusenbery. "The unfortunate aspect of our recent expense management efforts is the need to reduce our work force."