Aurora Sinai Medical Center could be closing its doors to nearly 600,000 Milwaukee residents if it cannot find a way to counter the loss of funds it has experienced in the past year.
These losses aren’t new, though. According to an email statement sent by Mike Brophy, Aurora Health Care’s chief communication officer, the deficits have accumulated to more than $107 million in the last 10 years, with $20 million in 2011 alone and another $30 million projected loss for 2012.
Brophy describes the reason for such high losses as a combination of the “stagnant economy, an eroding payer mix and lower inpatient volumes.”
While last year may have been the most significant loss for the center, it was not the first time it has been recognized by the local media. According to an article by Corrinne Hess in the Milwaukee Business Journal, Sinai was one of three area hospitals that were unable to increase its net income in 2009 out of 19 total institutions.
The question now is whether the center will close its doors or remain open with limited services. Either situation could mean a substantial drop in inner-city healthcare services in the near future.
If Sinai closes, then patients — the majority of whom are on Medicaid and Medicare — would be forced to rely on other local hospitals like Wheaton Franciscan’s St. Joseph located on 5000 W. Chambers St., or Columbia St. Mary’s, 2311 N. Prospect Ave.
Brophy said no final decision has been made, but the hospital will still be providing inpatient services until the outcome is revealed at the end of the year.
“Aurora operates as an integrated system where services and facilities that operate at a loss are supported by others that have a more favorable financial position,” he said.
Some facilities that would help to pick up some of Aurora Sinai’s slack include Aurora Family Services, Walker’s Point Free Clinic and Healing Center along with the Aurora Visiting Nurse Association.
With Sinai’s location just off campus on North 12th Street, Marquette students benefit from its proximity. There’s concern about how the hospital closing will affect Marquette as a clinical site for nursing students and as an emergency service.
Margaret Callahan, Dean of the College of Nursing, said Aurora Sinai plays a vital role in serving the city’s downtown and on-campus population.
“The hospital’s comprehensive services are essential for our neighborhood and for our students — many of whom reside just blocks away from the hospital,” Callahan said. “We remain hopeful that this critical resource will be available well into the future.”
Keli Wollmer, physician assistant and clinical coordinator for Student Health Services (SHS) said transportation for students requiring urgent care could become an issue.
“Logistically, it is just a difference in how services are accessed,” Wollmer said.
Wollmer said that in the past, students have primarily needed referrals to Sinai for emergencies and X-rays. For now, limited X-ray services are being implemented at SHS. The next closest options for urgent care needs are Aurora Urgent Care Center on 946 N. Van Buren and Columbia St. Mary’s Urgent Care Center located on 734 N. Jackson St.