Citing financial challenges and economic uncertainty, the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is preparing to reduce its workforce by 87 positions in December, according to a notification that the Palo Alto medical institution filed with the state this week. The hospital at 725 Welch Road submitted on Oct. 10 a notice with the state Department of Economic Development listing the 87 positions that will be eliminated by Dec. 12, 2025. According to an accompanying letter from N. Christopher Comma, vice president for human resources at the hospital, the employees will remain on the payroll with benefits until that time.