Area Hospitals Get High Marks From Delaware Valley Healthcare Council
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A new report released by the Delaware Valley Healthcare Council gives high marks to hospitals in the region.
Curt Schroder, regional executive for the council, says the report finds hospitals and health systems in our area supported nearly one in eight of the region's jobs and contributed 28.7 billion dollars to the economy.
"Hospitals are economic engines in our communities in southeastern Pennsylvania and above and beyond that, they provide $2.2 billion in community benefit to all of our communities in southeastern Pennsylvania."
He says that includes charity care, medical assistance and Medicare subsidies, community improvements, education and research.
But Schroder warns cuts slated under Obamacare, recent government-mandated budget cuts, and uncertainty over expansion of Medicaid in Pennsylvania could spell problems.
"All of these have a significant impact and really place the core mission of hospitals really in danger in the future."
He says hospitals already are reducing costs, laying off staff and discontinuing programs to respond to financial pressures.
