Florida-based Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital has $9-million shortfall

Tarpon Springs, FL-based Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital is facing a $9-million budget shortfall this year, hospital administrators have announced. To offset the deficit, the hospital has discontinued its home health agency, eliminated some open positions, and is working to generate alternative revenue sources, said hospital CEO Don Evans. The hospital was taken over by Tampa's University Community Health in 2000 when it was on the verge of financial disaster, but has continued to struggle since the partnership was formed. This year's shortfall, however, is about $1-million less than last year's, Evans added.