CHHS Releases FY2017 Preliminary Budget

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Business

Cook County Health & Hospitals System’s (CCHHS) CEO, Dr. Jay Shannon, submitted the health system’s preliminary Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 budget to the CCHHS Finance Committee. The 2017 budget represents a three percent decrease over 2016. The proposed $1.8 billion budget allows CCHHS to invest in community-based outpatient clinical care, including the expansion of services like behavioral health care and new/upgraded outpatient facilities, as well as meet the goals set in its recently adopted three-year strategic plan. The Cook County Health Fund allocation has been reduced by more than 77 percent in recent years, from $481 million in FY09 to $110 million proposed for FY17. Today, that local tax allocation represents approximately six percent of CCHHS’ revenues. In 2017, CCHHS has projected growth in primary and specialty care, labor and delivery and surgical volumes.

The health system intends to begin work next year on new or renovated space for at least three outpatient clinical facilities, including the Central Campus Health Center on Chicago’s near west side and a regional outpatient center to serve the Provident community. The new space will replace outdated and inefficient clinical facilities currently in use and will be reflective of the high quality, modern care CCHHS provides. Ground breaking for the Central Campus Health Center will begin in early 2017 and will allow CCHHS to vacate the Fantus Health Center and two dilapidated administrative buildings that would otherwise require $128 million in deferred renovations. CCHHS also plans to hire additional clinical staff (predominately nurses) in key areas, including behavioral health, perioperative services, labor and delivery, case management and medical/surgical, critical care and neonatal units. Upon approval by the CCHHS Board of Directors, the 2017 budget will be submitted to the Cook County Board of Commissioners for their consideration and inclusion into the County’s overall budget.

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