Surgical Hospital Closures are Surging

A recent national study from the American College of Surgeons shows that hospitals providing surgical care are closing at a higher rate than new ones are opening, leaving Americans without access to vital care. These closures occur disproportionately in communities with high levels of poverty and social vulnerability. The American College of Surgeons tracked hospitals performing at least 100 operations per year in 2010 and 2020 and found a net decrease of 289 hospitals nationwide. Hospitals in low-income census tracts were more likely to close than hospitals in wealthy, suburban areas. When vital care hospitals close, patients may need to forgo preventative care or lose some or all of their medical records. Closures also place an immense strain on surrounding hospitals as care is consolidated. Our Health Equity advocates for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Americans, no matter where they live. Read more here.