Nassau University Medical Center

Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) plays an integral role in the economy and local communities in Long Island, according to a study produced by the Healthcare Association of New York.

The report is based on Institutional Cost Report data and an updated federal Bureau of Economic Analysis multiplier, said Gary E. Bie, NUMC’s executive vice president for finance and CFO. “It identifies and measures the direct involvement of Nassau University Medical Center on the local economy and demonstrates the ‘ripple’ effect of the dollars the health care sector brings into the community and the jobs it helps create,” he added.

The report underscores the role hospitals play in strengthening local infrastructures. Communities rely on their local hospitals and health systems to provide high-quality health care, bring life into the world, care for the aging, ensure safety when an emergency or disaster strikes, educate people about healthy lifestyles, and provide comfort at the end of life.

In addition to enhancing the health and well-being of its surrounding communities, NUMC contributes significantly to the area’s economic health, with an estimated total annual economic impact of $1,015,334,000 in 2008.

An Economic Anchor in the Community

NUMC employs 3,520 people, with a total payroll of $324,737,000. Hospital payroll expenditures serve as an important economic stimulus, creating and supporting jobs throughout the local and state economies. Dollars earned by NUMC employees and spent on necessities such as groceries, clothing, mortgage payments and rent, generate roughly $657,820,000 in economic activity for the local economy. NUMC employees and the jobs supported indirectly by the facility also paid $29,256,000 in state and local income taxes in 2008, as well as $8,528,000 in local sales tax and $9,998,000 in state sales tax.

Additionally, NUMC spends roughly $139,413,000 per year on goods and services it needs to provide health care, such as medical supplies, electricity and food for patients. Funds spent to buy goods and services flow from the hospital to vendors and businesses and then ripple throughout the economy, generating roughly $282,409,000 for the local economy.

In 2008, NUMC also spent $37,076,000 on buildings and equipment. Capital spending by NUMC generates approximately $75,105,000 for the local economy annually.

A Vital Health Care Services Provider

NUMC not only serves as a significant economic engine, but also contributes to a safe, stable and healthy community. In 2009, NUMC had 23,861 discharges, roughly 200,000 outpatient visits, and 76,916 emergency department visits.

“The data contained in this report provide strong evidence that the economic benefit of our hospital on the local and state economies is significant,” said Arthur A. Gianelli, president and CEO of NuHealth System. “[In order] to continue to attract jobs to and maintain families in New York State, it is critical that the state have high-quality health care providers and services.”

He added: “Every year, we serve thousands of individuals and keep our community healthy, strong, and vibrant. This record of service is and always will be our most valuable contribution to the community.”