Cuts could affect MU Health Care's service reach

December 18, 2008 | 11:03 p.m. CST

COLUMBIA — Reduced state funding for the University of Missouri System could result in job cuts at MU Health Care facilities, and services at the Missouri Rehabilitation Center could be closed, according to a report submitted to the state Thursday by James Ross, CEO of MU Health Care.

In a letter attached to the report, Ross wrote: “As the safetynet hospital for mid-Missouri and the long-term care facility for the state, the patient care we provide is critical. In addition, the hospitals and clinics are a core component of our academic medical center, which trains doctors, nurses and health care professionals for the citizens of Missouri.”

The single-page report outlines how 15 percent, 20 percent and 25 percent cuts in state funding would impact MU Health Care and the Missouri Rehabilitation Center.

With a 15 percent cut in state funding, MU Health Care would see a loss of $3.7 million, and the Missouri Rehabilitation Center would see cuts of $1.7 million. Both would be subject to limited programs and job cuts.

With a 20 percent cut in state funding, MU Health Care would lose $5 million and the Missouri Rehabilitation Center would lose $2.3 million. MU Health Care could see job cuts and the potential closure of some of its facilities as well as a downsized plan to replace outdated facilities.

Also, Missouri Rehabilitation Center job cuts would be further increased and the number of patients it can adequately serve would be reduced from 45 to 30. The assisted technology service might also be closed.

With a 25 percent cut in state funding, MU Health Care would lose $6.2 million and the Missouri Rehabilitation Center would lose $2.9 million. This could mean that MU Health Care would struggle to operate all of its facilities.

Also, the Missouri Rehabilitation Center could be closed because of its potential inability to serve enough patients to generate operating capital. This level of funding reduction would have a significant impact on the ability of MU Health Care to continue operating as a “safety net (and) academic hospital,” according to the report.