http://66.225.205.104/JR20081203.mp3
Carolinas HealthCare Systems is experiencing sharp pains in its bottom line as a result of the flagging economy. The health care giant lost $284 million during the first 9 months of the year in investment income. CHS Chief Financial Officer Greg Gombar says that money was destined for capitol projects, which the health-care giant may have to delay. "This is all related to what everyone is experiencing that has an investment portfolio," says Gombar. Carolinas HealthCare Systems is the largest employer in the Charlotte area with more than 25-thousand workers. But Gombar says for now, the losses should not result in job cuts. "We're looking at everything, but we haven't had any issues with the workforce, anything like that," says Gombar. "We're a service based organization, people depend on us. WE don't have the luxury of some businesses to say well we can stop this service. No people expect us to be there, expect this hospital to be open 24-7." Gombar says Carolinas HealthCare is also seeing less growth than expected this year because fewer people are having elective procedures. And there are MORE people seeking charity care because they can't pay for treatment.