Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 18, 2008 UTMB today begins notifying almost 3,000 faculty and staff members they no longer have jobs as the storm-battered institution sharply downsizes its main hospital. If there's a bright spot in the grim week ahead, it's that the medical branch, the county's most powerful economic engine, will dismiss only 2,800 to 3,000 people. University of Texas System regents last week authorized cutting up to 3,800 full-time equivalent positions.