Pittsburgh, PA
The near term demand for health care workers in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area improved during the third quarter of 2011, after a quiet first half of the year. Of note during the quarter, UPMC plans to hire 1,900 in 2012 to meet growth demands within the system. Also, Jefferson Regional Health announced moderate growth, as did Butler Hospital with plans to open a Saxonburg office. Giant Eagle is opening its first in-store clinic in PA. Also, Allegheny General Hospital and Excela Health both anticipate a need for services and announced expansion plans in neurosurgical ICU and cardiology and bariatric services respectively.
On a comparative basis, the Pittsburgh health care labor market showed improvement during Q3, as measured by the HWS LMPI. Its Q3 LMPI score of 50.9 was up by 11% from the prior quarter and stronger than the national composite of 48.0, down 3% from the previous quarter.
Q3 Workforce Announcements
Jefferson Regional Medical Center adds more doctors to women’s health services. September 23, 2011
Jefferson Regional Medical Center continues to expand its women’s health services with the addition of four doctors, including one who will join the hospital in January.
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/print-edition/2011/09/23/jefferson-regional-doctors-womens-health.html
UPMC to buy biggest independent physician’s practice in Erie. September 14, 2011
The largest independent physician’s network in Erie has been purchased by UPMC, less than a year after the Pittsburgh-based health provider became affiliated with Hamot Medical Center and its parent foundation.
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2011/09/14/upmc-acquires-Erie-independent-practice.html?page=all
UPMC plans to hire 1,900 in 2012. August 27, 2011
Despite pending reductions in government spending for health care, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center anticipates creating nearly 1,900 jobs in 2012 to meet continuing growth of the system, the same number created during the fiscal year ending June 30.
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2011/08/27/upmc-plans-to-hire-1900-in-2012.html
Butler Hospital to open Saxonburg office. August 25, 2011
Butler Health System is scheduled to open its newest clinic in Saxonburg with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new clinic will offer laboratory services, medical imaging, relocated offices of Dr. Kathryn Ryan and a new office for podiatrist Dr. Anthony Smaldino. Also in the facility will be the physical therapy practice of Daniel Sundie and the health system’s financial planning office.
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2011/08/25/butler-hospital-to-open-saxonburg-office.html
Giant Eagle to open first store clinic. August 5, 2011
Giant Eagle is preparing to open its first in-store clinic in Pennsylvania, a program offered in cooperation with Monongahela Valley Hospital, which will combine medical care and patient education.
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2011/08/05/giant-eagle-to-open-first-store-clinic.html
Allegheny General Hospital opens neurosurgical unit. August 2, 2011
Allegheny General Hospital has opened a 22-bed neurosurgical intensive care unit, better enabling the North Side hospital to care for brain injuries and complex neurological problems.
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2011/08/02/agh-opens-neurosurgical-unit.html
Excela Health prepares for growth. August 1, 2011
Citing anticipated growth in cardiology and bariatric services, Greensburg-based Excela Health announced that it would add 16 doctors in 2012 plus create 24 immediate openings for full-time nurses.
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2011/08/01/excela-health-prepares-for-growth.html
Hospitals and Health Systems
Source: US News & World Report
Education Program Expansions and Closures
No notable education program expansions and closures announced during Q3 2011.
Education Programs
Source: The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
Health of the Local Economy
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 Pittsburgh, PA market.
Source: www.census.gov accessed 10/10/2011
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 Pittsburgh, PA market.
Source: www.bls.gov accessed 10/10/2011
Additional Factors Influencing HWS Labor Market PulseTM Index
- U.S. Census Bureau Population 2,351,192, #22 largest market
- U.S. Census Bureau Population #17 oldest market
- U.S. Census Bureau Population Growth -3.3%, #346 fastest growing market
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