Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA
Q4 2011 – Market Summary

The near-term demand for health care workers in the Atlanta metropolitan area weakened during the last quarter of 2011, after a strong previous quarter. Of particular note during the quarter, Emory University Hospital announced an expansion of its 579-bed emergency department, adding 15 private treatment rooms the existing 21 rooms.
On a comparative basis, the Atlanta health care labor market, as measured by the HWS LMPI, weakened by 9% during the quarter. Its Q4 LMPI score of 45.8 was below the national composite of 52.9.

Q4 Workforce Announcements

Emory plans emergency services expansion. October 14, 2011
Emory University Hospital plans to invest $29 million in an expansion. The project calls for the expansion of the 579-bed hospital’s Emergency Department, which often operates at capacity. The number of treatment rooms will grow from 21 to 36 private treatment rooms.
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/print-edition/2011/10/14/emory-plans-emergency-services-expansion.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 Q2 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 1/1/2012

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 1/1/2012

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 1/1/2012

Additional Factors Influencing HWS Labor Market Pulse^TM 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