Insight Health Systems management said Monday afternoon it has paused local operations and temporarily furloughed its employees.

Its East Market Street emergency room, along with limited lab and radiology services, remain open.

Affected are Insight Hospital and Medical Center Trumbull, Insight Rehabilitation Hospital Hillside and the Austintown and Elm Road outpatient centers.

An Insight spokesperson disclosed the action in an email.

The announcement comes as the center’s newly named president, Dr. Gray Goncz, stepped down from the post he assumed approximately two weeks ago. He referred to differences with Insight management in an email to employees.

Insight said “abrupt developments” with former owner Steward Health Care’s bankruptcy proceedings resulted in the closures.

“Steward has ceased funding for health care services that were already delivered at Trumbull and Hillside hospitals in recent months,” Insight wrote in an email. “Despite our ongoing efforts, Insight has been unable to secure the release of these funds from Steward, even as government authorities have requested guaranteed weekly payments to ensure continuity of care.”

The number of employees furloughed has not been provided.

Last week, Insight laid off approximately 150 workers at its Warren medical center. Eighty-eight of those were registered nurses.

Insight said Monday’s furloughs should last no more than six months.

“This unfortunate situation is in no way a reflection of our employees’ outstanding commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care,” Insight said. “We are deeply grateful for their dedication during these uncertain times.”

The action has raised concerns with Warren Mayor Doug Franklin and Howland Trustee Dr. James LaPolla Jr.

“My commitment to the community remains the same regarding the level of care for our citizens,” Franklin said. “We will remain in close contact with Insight.”

He said underserved residents in Warren and Trumbull County deserve quality care and to have their needs met. The furloughed employees also must be remembered.

“Those workers have dedicated their lives and careers to those institutions and our heartfelt thanks go out to them and we wish them the best,” Franklin said.

In addition to serving Howland, whose township includes Hillside, LaPolla is an Insight-affiliated doctor.

“As a member of the medical executive committee and staff member at both Trumbull and Hillside, it’s sad to see two great institutions close,” said LaPolla, a board-certified physician of podiatric medicine, in an emailed statement. “It’s much sadder to see hundreds of hard-working, devoted and caring people laid off due to previous mismanagement of Steward.

“The loss and cease of operations of Hillside Hospital will also be painfully felt within the township. We have been informed that this may not be a permanent closure, but a short-term closure while Insight reorganizes. I can only hope that this is true.”

LaPolla said he and fellow trustees Frank Dillon and Matthew Vansuch will do all they can to help in the hospitals’ reopening.

Although Goncz is leaving his role as president and chief restructuring officer, he will remain Insight’s chief medical officer.

Goncz cited structural and philosophical differences with Insight for his departure.

“My intention has been and always will be to serve the community and care for the patients to the best of my ability,” he wrote.

Dr. Jawad Shah was named his replacement and will oversee Trumbull and Hillside hospitals.

“Under his leadership, Insight is committed to rebuilding both hospitals as nonprofit, physician-led, and patient-centered institutions,” the health system said. “In the months ahead, we will redesign operations to be fully independent of Steward’s management, cost structures, and legacy software systems.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to serve the community with integrity and excellence, and we thank our staff, patients, and partners for their continued support.”

Requests for comments from the three unions representing Insight employees were not available as of press time.