As hospitals and health systems across the U.S. face financial pressures, some CEOs are committed to leaving specific services untouched — even when finances suggest certain changes could be made.
For Perry County Memorial Hospital in Tell City, Ind., launching its own police force was an unusual investment for a critical access hospital, but it was driven by a need for increased security presence for staff and patients, CEO Jared Stimpson told Becker’s.
“The return on investment is not a financial one by any means, rather it is an investment in the safety of our staff and patients,” he said. “As a rural hospital, the financial commitment for a 24/7 police force is great, and much more difficult for us to bear than the larger hospitals, but nonetheless, it is just as necessary given the dangerous climate we are in today.”
The hospital has several service lines that do not necessarily make money, but remain in place based on community need, Mr. Stimpson added. One example is a women’s healthcare clinic. Although the hospital closed its obstetrics department in December 2023, the clinic is set to open in the first week of November, he said.
At Stoughton (Wis.) Health, a key priority is protecting its geriatric psychiatric inpatient program. The health system operates Stoughton Hospital, a medical group, rehabilitation and sports medicine clinics and urgent care locations.
“Despite financial pressures, this investment remains essential given the shortage of inpatient behavioral health beds,” President and CEO Chris Brabant told Becker’s. “Maintaining this service ensures vulnerable older adults receive the specialized care they need, while strengthening our commitment to the community.”
Other leaders are committing to investments that are considered lossleading services, such as labor and delivery care, to support community needs.
“We’ve even invested in labor and delivery services, which many hospitals are divesting from, because our community needed it,” Austin Jones, senior vice president and CFO of North Kansas City, Mo.-based NKC Health, told Becker’s in August. “It’s typically a loss leader, but we are community-focused — from the board of trustees to the front line — and we heard the need. That investment is paying dividends.”
