Investing in Hospital Physical Infrastructure
Investment in hospital infrastructure is critical to ensure the overall health, security and wellbeing of patients and communities, which is why ASHE and the American Hospital Association (AHA) are working to ensure that hospitals and health systems be included in significant legislative packages designed to address challenges among the nation’s infrastructure. Hospitals have been hit especially hard financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent reports show losses are expected to reach at least $323 billion in 2020 with more losses expected through 2021. Investments in the modernization of hospital physical plants is necessary to maintain access to high quality, safe and environmentally sustainable care. To help advocate for infrastructure funding, facility managers should share their deferred maintenance and capital needs with their chief financial and executive officers and encourage the organization to contact their state and federal representatives. Guidance for this effort is available in the Infrastructure Advocacy Digital Toolkit.