Despite rumors circulating through the community that Forrest General Hospital is losing $12 million a week because of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials say that is far from the truth – although the hospital has lost some revenue.
David Hogan, president of the Forrest County Board of Supervisors, said exact numbers aren’t available yet, but the board of the county-owned hospital will meet in the coming weeks to determine financial figures. The hospital did see some loss of revenue – mainly because of the suspension of elective procedures – but funds from the Department of Health and Human Services helped to offset that.
“Now, we’re back doing elective surgeries, and that’s helped further offset it,” Hogan said. “I think the bigger story is that Forrest General hasn’t lost any of its (approximately 4,000) employees, and what an excellent job they’ve done in treating their 19-county service area (with) coronavirus patients.
“Forrest General and their employees have done a wonderful job in testing and treating the coronavirus patients. But I can’t really tell you (an exact monetary figure) until they get their reports done, and have a board meeting where we’ll know closer to the exact number. But the finances are going to be fine.”
Hogan said when elective procedures were temporarily halted, there was a revenue shortfall, but nothing close to the $12 million a week figure.
“They’re recovering, because we’re back doing the other procedures,” he said. “And the ER has always been open, and they have received some reimbursement money, and they’ll be reporting to their board of trustees in the coming weeks. We’ll have to get specific information from them.”
Andy Woodard, president and CEO of Forrest Health, also noted a shortfall in revenue but noted it has not necessitated in layoffs.
“While every hospital has lost revenue due to the COVID-19 crisis, Forrest Health has tried to maintain jobs without having to lay off staff,” he said. “The Mississippi State Health Department has recently authorized elective procedures, and we are glad people can now get the care they need without further delay.”
