July 1st, 2009

According to a budget proposal from the Pennsylvania State Senate, over 8,000 jobs could be cut from hospitals located in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports:

       A Pennsylvania state Senate budget proposal could force hospitals in the five-county Philadelphia area to cut 8,300 jobs, the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania(HAP), a hospital advocacy group, said. HAP said Senate Bill 850 calls for $280 million in payment cuts statewide – $167 million in this region – to a variety of programs, including those aimed at helping hospitals that serve large numbers of poor patients, burn and trauma units, and obstetrical care. Gov. Rendell’s budget calls for $75 million in cuts, HAP says. The state Department of Public Welfare estimated the cut at $44 million.

For further information from the Philadelphia Inquirer, click here.