Memorial Health (CO) plans to hire 200, build physicians' network

More than 200 new hires, a new physicians’ network and a new, consumer-friendly pricing structure were the highlights of Memorial Health System’s proposed 2011 budget that was presented Monday to the Colorado Springs City Council.

The story behind those headlines, however, is the uncertain future for both continued city ownership of the hospital system and the seismic shifts facing the health care industry.

Last week, the commission studying Memorial’s future recommended converting the hospital from city ownership to an independent nonprofit. If the council, and then city voters in April, agree with that vision, Monday will have been the last time Memorial looked to the council to approve its budget.