Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services is debunking concerns that there have been significant nursing layoffs at Carbonear General Hospital.

Opposition health critic Barry Patten raised the issue in the House of Assembly last week.

Petten said that he was told that over 20 LPNs at Carbonear General and the long-term care centre had been laid off, and he asked the Health Minister to confirm the numbers.

In a statement to VOCM News, NLHS says there have not been any layoffs at Carbonear General.

They say several temporary LPN positions are ending on January 31, but those employees will continue in the system as temporary call-in or relief employees after that time.

The health authority adds that there are vacant LPN positions in the Carbonear area, and they will work with those employees to explore available opportunities.