Table of Contents

Press + to list detailed section contents

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA


Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA
Q1 2011 – Market Summary



The near term demand for health care workers in the Atlanta metropolitan area continued to slip during the first quarter of 2011. Of note, Atlanta’s Grady Hospital announced it would lay of 100 employees and close two community health centers. However, on a positive note, Emory University Hospital Midtown is seeking approval to expand its ICU capacity later this year.

On a comparative basis, the strength of the Atlanta health care labor market weakened slightly in Q1. Atlanta’s Q1 LMPI score of 45.2 was down 9% from the prior quarter and remained lower than the rest of the country as compared to the national composite of 51.5.



Q1 Workforce Announcements

Atlanta’s Grady to Lay Off 100 Employees, Close 2 Community Health Centers. March 4, 2011
 Atlanta’s Grady Health System has announced it will lay off approximately 100 employees and close two community health centers in response to “significant county and federal funding reductions. Grady is also increasing co-pays for low-income and homeless patients.
http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-financial-and-business-news/atlantas-grady-to-lay-off-100-employees-close-2-community-health-centers.html

Emory Midtown planning $8M upgrade to ICU. February 18, 2011
Emory University Hospital Midtown plans to invest more than $8 million as it grows its intensive care bed capacity. Emory plans to seek regulatory approval to open a new 16-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) later this year.
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/print-edition/2011/02/18/emory-midtown-planning-8m-upgrade.html

Previous market news

Hospitals and Health Systems


Source: US News & World Report

Education Program Expansion and Closures

No notable education program expansions and closures announced during Q1 2011.

Education Programs


Source: The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Health of the Local Economy

Declining home prices may cause healthcare employees to seek additional hours from current employers, delay retirement plans and be more willing to relocate for a better job opportunities. Below is the Case-Shiller Home Price Index for the overall Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA market.


Source: http://www2.standardandpoors.com accessed 3/29/2011

Lower home ownership rates reduce the impact of home price fluctuations and increase the willingness of healthcare employees to relocate for better job opportunities. Below are home ownership rates for the overall Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA market.

Source: www.census.gov accessed 3/29/2011

The recent rising unemployment rates create new demands for health services. Higher unemployment shifts the mix away from higher margin procedures to more primary care in the emergency room and critical care for conditions that should have been treated early at a primary care physician. In general, rising unemployment also reduces turnover and engagement of employed workers, while low unemployment tends to increase intra market churn. Below are unemployment rates for the overall Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA market.


Source: www.bls.gov accessed 3/29/2011

Additional Factors Influencing HWS Labor Market PulseTM Index

  • U.S. Census Bureau Population 5,376,285, #8 largest market
  • U.S Census Bureau Population 286th oldest market
  • U.S. Census Bureau Population Growth 26.6%, #20 fastest growing market
   

NEED HELP LOGGING IN?

Forgotten password? Reset
More help? Please contact us.