Fitzgibbon Hospital contributes to local economy

April 03, 2017

            Fitzgibbon Hospital recently updated its Community Investment Report for fiscal year 2016. The report, summarizing its yearly community benefit and economic investment data, underscores the valuable role it plays in the community. This role includes not only health care, but also initiatives and investments made to improve the quality of life, ensure an effective workforce and strengthen the local economy. The report parallels the Missouri Hospital Association’s Community Investment Report, which examines the value of hospitals across the state.

Fitzgibbon Hospital’s total contributions to Marshall and the communities it serves totaled more than $37.6 million during the hospital fiscal year ending April 30, 2016 (the latest year for which audited figures are available). This includes:

·         the cost of uncompensated care, including the cost of providing care to those either unable or unwilling to pay;

·         the cost of education and research for health professionals;

·         financial contributions and in-kind donations to support organizations which improve the quality of life in our community;

·         capital investments in its facilities; and

·         payroll and benefits paid to its approximately 556 full- and part-time employees in the hospital, its medical clinics and nursing home.

“These figures show that at a time when many in our community face great need, Fitzgibbon Hospital continues to fulfill our mission of improving health and building strong communities,” said Chief Executive Officer Darin Haug, D.O. “Fitzgibbon Hospital, the Living Center and our employees provide not only quality, compassionate care on a daily basis, but the work of each individual is valued, as our work together serves as a vital economic engine in our community.”

According to the Missouri Hospital Association’s recently released Community Investment Report for 2015 (the latest year for which figures are available), hospitals are increasingly playing an important role beyond the traditional supplier of only healthcare services. The MHA report shows Missouri hospitals provided more than $2.7 billion in community benefit – including $1.2 billion in uncompensated care.

Fitzgibbon Hospital, a not-for-profit organization, provided more than $4.72 million in uncompensated care during fiscal year 2016. This includes the unpaid costs of treatment of patients with Medicare, Medicaid and those without insurance. This figure represents the shortfall between the cost of providing patient care and payments received from the government and covered patients.

            "A figure of this significance underscores the needs that many of our patients face. As we seek to meet our mission of improving the health of our community, we are very mindful of those who are less fortunate and who may not have the means to pay for their treatment," said Dr. Haug.

            As part of its mission of caring for its community, Fitzgibbon forgave $626,270 in charges for healthcare provided to patients in need. These patients include persons considered among the most vulnerable in our community and who may be experiencing significant obstacles such as extreme poverty, language barriers, transportation issues and other socio-economic factors. To assist these and other patients, Fitzgibbon Hospital has trained financial counselors who work with patients to make payment arrangements and help to determine their eligibility to receive financial assistance.

            Ensuring that health care providers are educated regarding the latest technologies, regulations and other ever-changing facets of health care, Fitzgibbon Hospital also invested an additional $318,327 in the continuing education of physicians, nurse practitioners and other medical professionals during fiscal year 2016.

            "Continuing education for our medical staff is a significant part of that strategy and has always been vital to what we do here at Fitzgibbon," said Dr. Haug. “We believe it is essential that our caregivers maintain the highest level of knowledge on current trends and best practices in medicine, as we continue to strive to always deliver quality, compassionate care.”

            The hospital also “gave back” $403,593 in financial contributions and in-kind donations to the community at large. These donations help other health-related, not-for-profit community organizations to ensure the neediest in our area receive essential care and services. It is also within the hospitals’ mission to assist other civic organizations in strengthening our communities and supporting schools, groups and activities that develop healthy lifestyle and education programs and assist with patient advocacy. The goal of these contributions is “community building” and improving the quality of life for all.

This category of investment includes the cost of placing a Certified Athletic Trainer within the Marshall Public School District as part of a collaborative effort to help ensure the safety of our student athletes. The hospital also provides free athlete physicals in area schools to ensure that any student who wishes to play a sport and engage in healthy activities is not prohibited by the cost of the required athlete physical.  Additionally, support of the Missouri Valley College Nursing Program, which is located on the campus of Fitzgibbon Hospital, is included in this figure.

Among the many and varied organizations which Fitzgibbon Hospital supports through financial donations are the Salt Fork YMCA, the Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra, the OATS Transportation Service, the Marshall High School DECA program, the United Way, the Missouri Valley College Rodeo program, the Saline County Fair Association, the Marshall Booster Club, area Lion’s and Rotary clubs and the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. These and dozens of other schools and organizations have benefited directly from Fitzgibbon Hospital's commitment to improve the health, quality of life and education for Saline and surrounding counties.

            For the fiscal year reported, Fitzgibbon Hospital also invested $1,318,958 in capital improvements, which includes investment in medical equipment, health information technology and facility improvements.

            Fitzgibbon Hospital continues to be one of – if not the largest - employer in Saline County, employing 556 full- and part-time employees system wide, including those working at The Living Center nursing home and area medical clinics. This accounted for more than $32 million in total payroll and benefits and also includes specially trained, contracted personnel to ensure that the highest quality healthcare can be delivered. As these payroll dollars are spent in area communities, the “trickle down effect” and economic benefit multiplies.

            For a full statement of community benefit provided by Missouri Hospitals, see www.missourihealthmatters.com. For the complete Fitzgibbon Hospital Community Investment Report, visit the Information Center at www.fitzgibbon.org. For more information about this release, contact Amy Weber, Business Development Manager, at 660-831-3204.