The survey, which interviewed 84 of Alabama’s 106 hospitals, found that 70 percent of hospital CEOs have let workers go and one-third have reigned in services or put hospital buildings or equipment up for sale.
Fifty percent reported a decrease in patient admissions over the past three months and 56 percent said elective surgeries are down as well, according to The Huntsville Times. Eighty-six percent of these facilities are delaying new services and construction and 83 percent are also postponing the purchase of expensive equipment.
The survey also revealed that emergency room visits are up, which can be attributed to individuals lacking health insurance to cover regular doctor’s visits, according to The Huntsville Times, a trend typical during a recession.
When questioned, 75 percent of the hospitals stated they were providing more charity care.
In an effort to improve their budgets, 47 percent of survey respondents said they would consider selling hospital assets and 32 percent said they might consider looking for a buyer, partner or a way to merge with another hospital.
Read the AP report on struggling Alabama hospitals.
Read The Huntsville Times report on the Alabama Hospital Association survey.
