Stephens Co. Hospital Approves Budget

By Charlie Bauder

THE STEPHENS COUNTY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY APPROVES A BUDGET FOR THE HOSPITAL FOR THE UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR.

 LAST MONDAY, THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED A BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013-2014, WHICH STARTS FOR THE HOSPITAL ON OCTOBER 1.

 STEPHENS COUNTY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR ED GAMBRELL SAYS THE BUDGET TOTALS JUST OVER $118 MILLION AND DOES NOT SHOW MUCH CHANGE FROM THIS CURRENT YEAR IN GENERAL.

 “The budget that the Authority approved is very unexciting,” said Gambrell.  “As you know, we have been slow for a couple of years now, as are many hospitals across the country and so this budget forecasts virtually no volume increase next year, maybe a small increase, but just a small increase.”

 GAMBRELL DOES NOTE THAT STARTING ON OCTOBER 1 WITH THE NEW FISCAL YEAR, THE HOSPITAL WILL IMPLEMENT A 3.5 PERCENT RATE INCREASE.

 HE SAYS THE HOSPITAL FEELS IT IS A NECESSARY ONE.