Friday, December 25, 2009

MSM Xmas Gifts: Boston's Hospitals

From American Taxpayers:

You sure bought a lot of gifts without receiving many, American taxpayer.


"Hospital posts a gain, not the loss it expected" by Robert Weisman, Globe Staff | December 17, 2009

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, which in March warned it was on track to lose $20 million for the 2009 fiscal year, instead managed to post a $10.3 million operating gain for the year, and might move to restore annual raises as early as next spring.

How did you do this year, American? Any unexpected profits come your way?

Looking for a RAISE any time soon?

The gain for the 12 months ended Sept. 30, while smaller than the $37.3 million operating gain last year, represents a turnaround for the 620-bed Boston hospital. Last winter, in the teeth of the economic downturn, it laid off about 70 workers, consolidated research operations, and made other cuts to stabilize finances. Beth Israel Deaconess yesterday said it recorded an overall gain, including investment income, of $19.5 million for the most recent fiscal year, compared with $31.6 million the previous year.

I always wonder what HOSPITALS are doing GAMBLING, 'er, INVESTING money.

In a statement, Beth Israel Deaconess’s chief financial officer, Steven Fischer, attributed the better-than-projected performance in the fiscal year to “extreme fiscal prudence, including sacrifices from employees across the medical center who temporarily gave up raises, vacation time, and retirement benefit matches to help eliminate a projected $20 million deficit and minimize layoffs.’’

So what was the CEO's bonus payment?

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"Biotech firms, Hub hospitals strengthen ties" by Robert Weisman, Globe Staff | December 24, 2009

Two Boston teaching hospitals are stepping up research into cardiovascular disease in separate programs that illustrate the deepening collaboration between academic medical centers and the biopharmaceutical industry. Tufts Medical Center has received a $1.7 million federal stimulus award from the National Institutes of Health....

Related: Pelsoi Says Stimuloot a Success

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Also see:
MSM Xmas Gifts: To Special Interests