By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Kaleida Health is reporting that it ended 2005 with a $26 million surplus.
2005 marked the third consecutive year of financial stability at Kaleida following years of crippling deficits. Kaleida President James Kaskie said the surplus dollars are being plowed back into the system for new equipment and other needs.
"What we're able to do when we do generate a surplus is to immediately invest in strengthening our programs clinically," Kaskie said. "We're able to buy new equipment and invest in new technology. We're also able to pay for such things as the new labor agreement with our employees and new pension plans."
Still, Kaleida is among the lucky ones. Many hospitals in New York continue to struggle with operating deficits. And the situation could worsen. Governor Pataki has slashed millions of dollars in state funding for health care in the coming year. Kaskie says that's one of the reasons he's not taking anything for granted.
"We worry day in and day out about having the appropriate mix of services, the appropriate use of supplies and insuring the ultimate quality for our patients," Kaskie said.
Kaleida is the parent company of Buffalo General, Millard Fillmore Gates Circle and Suburban, DeGraff and Women and Children's Hospitals.