As a cornerstone of the Alexandria community for more than 140 years, Inova Alexandria Hospital is a beloved and trusted institution to our region and its residents. Across Virginia, hospitals and health systems are the backbone of communities both large and small, providing lifesaving and life-preserving care for patients, and quality jobs for citizens. This week – May 10-16 – is Virginia Hospital Week – a chance to celebrate Virginia’s hospitals, health systems, and the people who ensure all Virginians receive the high quality, compassionate care they deserve.
In 2013, Virginia hospitals handled more than 3.5 million emergency department visits and admitted more than 780,000 inpatients. Another 1.9 million people received outpatient services and treatment. More than 103,000 babies were delivered. These numbers translate to nearly two-thirds of Virginia’s population visiting a hospital or health system in some capacity in just one year.
Hospitals and health systems play a critical role in the communities they serve, providing nearly $3 billion in community support last year alone. Virginia hospitals supplied $627 million in financial assistance for patients unable to afford their care, and spent an additional $135 million to subsidize vital healthcare services. That investment here at Inova Alexandria Hospital covered more than 6,200 patient visits — including 700 mammograms, ultrasounds and other diagnostic imaging — as well as 250 OB visits and 26 deliveries. It represents just a portion of the community benefit and other uncompensated care that Inova Alexandria Hospital is proud to provide as a service to the city we call home.
In addition to critically needed medical care and services, hospitals and health systems in Virginia provide high quality jobs and, in many cases, are among the community’s largest employers. Statewide, hospitals and health systems directly employ 123,508 Virginians, contributing $35.8 billion to the economy. In Northern Virginia, Inova employs nearly 700 Alexandria residents, sending more than $38 million in compensation back to the city.
This week, take a moment to join us in thanking someone who works at a hospital — whether it’s a nurse, physician or other staff member. Despite an increasingly challenging and complicated operating and financial environment, Virginia’s hospitals and health systems are here for us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. As we celebrate Virginia Hospital Week, now is the time for all Virginians to show that we are here for them as well.