Amid cash crunch, hospital system cuts out neurosurgery
PASCAGOULA — A south Mississippi hospital that has faced financial problems is saving money by eliminating neurosurgery, and that means some patients are now being sent out of state after wrecks or other emergencies.
A Singing River Health System executive spoke to Jackson County officials at a public meeting Monday, The Sun Herald reported. Brian Argo is chief financial officer for the two facilities in the county-owned system — Ocean Springs Hospital and Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula.
Jackson County Supervisor Ken Taylor asked "if business decisions are dictating practice." Argo said they are.
The hospital's budget year ended Sept. 30, and it was the first year without neurosurgery. Argo said a helicopter at Ocean Springs Hospital can take patients with head trauma to Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.
Read more: http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/2017/04/04/amid-cash-crunch-hospital-system-cuts-neurosurgery/100045338/