ROCK SPRINGS – The Board of Trustees of Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County (MHSC) has announced the results of an Economic Impact Analysis, conducted by healthcare consulting firm Quorum Health Resources. The report concluded that MHSC had a $216M positive impact on the community in 2015.
“The economic impact MHSC has had in our community has grown year over year, while most rural hospitals across the United States have struggled,” stated Joe Manatos, MHSC Board President. “It is important for the community to understand the value we bring to the area, not only taking care of the sick, but also taking care of the community as a significant employer and customer of other local businesses’ products and services.”
According to the report, MHSC met the healthcare needs of residents in 2015 by providing care through:
- 2,220 inpatient discharges;
- 537 births;
- 2,198 inpatient and outpatient surgeries;
- 29,326 imaging procedures;
- 68,738 outpatient clinic visits; and
- 16,988 emergency room visits.
In addition to these vital healthcare services, the hospital’s contribution to the local economy, such as the people it employs and the impact of its spending has contributed to an overall annual impact of $216M. Specifically, MHSC contributed $130M in direct impact of services provided and well-paying jobs as well as $86M in the “ripple” effect of the dollars the health care sector brings into the region to support the local tax base and businesses through purchased goods and services.
The $216M economic impact of MHSC is similar to the economic impact of the average Wyoming Trona Mine and Wyoming Coal Mine:
“Every year, thousands of individuals are cared for to keep this community healthy, strong and vibrant,” noted Board Chair Manatos. “This will always be Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County’s most valuable contribution to the community.”
