Economy hitting Pennsylvania hospitals

The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania has released results of a December survey showing that tight credit, ailing stocks, and financially strapped patients are hurting the state's hospitals. Forty-two percent reported a moderate to significant effect on their day-to-day financial operations, and three-quarters are forecasting a moderate to significant effect on their financial stability this year. The release came with a plea not to cut government funding for Medicaid and Medicare or special programs like burn and trauma centers and obstetrical care.