Layoffs are expected at Carney Hospital in the next few weeks, the Reporter has learned. The number of layoffs remains unclear, but is likely to be low, according to sources.

Carney executives, including President Andy Davis, met on Thursday with members of the Service Employees International Union 1199, which has several hundred members working at the Dorchester Ave. hospital. Hospital executives and SEIU 1199 representatives discussed alternative plans to reduce the number of layoffs.

“1199 SEIU members have contractual protections that ensure a voice in the process and hope that through this process the final number of layoffs can be minimized,” Enid Eckstein, SEIU 1199 vice president, said in a statement. “Right now, 1199 SEIU members at Carney are actively engaged in discussions regarding the proposed layoffs and are focused on the goal of saving jobs where possible and ensuring quality care.”

Carney representatives were not immediately available for comment.

Carney Hospital is part of the Steward Health Care System, which includes Quincy Medical Center, Merrimack Valley Hospital and Norwood Hospital. Steward, affiliated with Cerberus Capital Management in New York, acquired Carney in 2010 as part of its purchase of the Caritas Christi Health Care hospitals.

According to the Carney Hospital website, Steward is the state’s third largest employer with over 17,000 employees.