(WINSTON-SALEM) -- Novant Health announced to employees on Tuesday that it will layoff 289 management and staff positions. The majority of the eliminated positions will come in the Winston-Salem and Charlotte markets, according to a memo issued to employees by President and CEO Carl S. Armato.

"The recent recession combined with the new health reform law have clearly established a new imperative for the healthcare industry – make services more affordable," said Armato in the memo. "This demand comes from every segment of society: patients, government, businesses and even our own employees who want to pay less for healthcare services. We must address this imperative now, proactively, to remain a strong organization."

The Winston-Salem based company will cut about 150 position in the Triad and around 100 jobs in the great Charlotte area.  When the memo was issued by Armato not all those who are going to be impacted had been notified.

"I wish we could have waited until all staff were notified, but I feel it’s important to communicate this information to you now because inevitably in today’s environment this news quickly becomes public inside and outside of our organization."

Armato did indicate that he hoped many of those losing their job would be able to find other opportunities inside the Novant Health system.  He said the, with 13 hospitals in three state, is currently recruiting for 1,300 position.