Study Indicates Hospital's Impact on Local Economy

A statewide study indicates that HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital has a total annual impact of $235,578,075 on the local and state economy.

The report, "HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital: Our Impact on the Economy" was developed in conjunction with the Illinois Health and Hospital Association and its statewide economic impact report, "Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems $88.8 Billion State Economic Impact".

Findings included in the report indicate the hospital employs 601 full-time equivalent health care professionals, which results in 866 additional jobs for the community. The 601 FTE's generate $44,776,890 in payroll, and generate $107,858,570 in economic activity in the community.

The report also indicates the hospital spends more than $46 million on goods and services, resulting in almost $112 million in economic activity in the local and state economies. The hospital also invests more than $6.6 million in capital improvements to enhance and update facilities and major medical equipment, generating just shy of $16 million in economic activity for the local and state economies.

The hospital noted its expansion to the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex as a step to boost the local economy. The hospital partnered with the Effingham Park District to lease 8,000 square feet of space in the complex, to offer physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in a larger, more convenient location for area residents, including aquatic therapy once the pool area is opened at the complex.