NEWTON, KAN. (Jan. 26, 2011) — Newton Medical Center contributed more than $5 million to community benefit projects within the communities it serves during the 2011 fiscal year, with the majority going to provide free or discounted care to uninsured and underinsured patients.
In all, NMC gave more than $4.4 million in charity care to patients in the region. Care is discounted based on a sliding fee scale.
“Newton Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital which exists to serve the health and needs of the community,” said Steve Kelly, CEO of Newton Medical Center. “This includes everyone, not just those who can pay for their care.”
In addition, NMC provided more than $330,000 in financial and in-kind contributions during FY 2011, and contributed $270,000 to community benefit programs, community building activities, health professions education and community health improvement services. Such activities include the Dinner with the Doctor program, which provides free health information on a variety of topics throughout the year; child preparedness classes; support for Health Ministries, which treats low-income patients; and many other important causes.
Newton Medical Center’s contributions would not be possible without the support of its physicians, Kelly says.
“When you see the hospital providing charity care, you can be certain that there is a physician involved,” he said. “And they participate not because they will get paid, but because it is the right thing to due. Many of our physicians and nurses volunteer not only to treat and care for patients but also to provide education and support for many entities in our community.”
In a down economy and with rising health care costs, Newton Medical Center recognizes the increase in need for charity care in the community, Kelly says: “We will continue to strive to contribute and meet the needs of the surrounding communities.”
Newton Medical Center is a comprehensive 103-bed hospital in Newton, Kan., offering full-service medical care in Harvey, Butler and northern Sedgwick counties. For more information about Newton Medical Center, please call 316-283-2700 or visit www.newtonmedicalcenter.com.