GALVESTON—They were pouring out compassion today at Smooth Tony’s Juice Bar in Galveston.

Tony’s brother, Tino Gonzalez, was one of the first UTMB employees to get the word that he had lost his job. 

“When I got the phone call this morning I kind of realized what it was for. When I went upstairs, I realized I was one of the casualties,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez is a 20-year veteran of UTMB.  He’s a human resources man who dealt with job issues. Now, he’s looking for a job himself.

“My brother Tony has a successful business here.  He wants me to help with that.  My other brother has a construction company,” said Gonzalez.

UTMB’s maternity ward is the only department up and running in the entire hospital.

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The first found of layoffs began Monday at UTMB in Galveston.

Some would think that’s cause for celebration, but instead all you found in the ward Tuesday was concern and frustration.

Judith Fink is a UTMB nurse.

“We’re hoping the government will step in and help. It’s a big institution. How can we just lose it?” she said.

The biggest wave of layoffs will come Thursday.

Most of those employment casualties will be doctors and nurses.

“Nobody wants to lose their job -- especially if they love their working environment,” said Fink.

In all, nearly 3,000 employees will be laid off.

Tino Gonzalez is hoping the best for his wife who also works at UTMB.

“She’s been a big breadwinner for many years. That would be pretty catastrophic,” he said.