As Metro lawmakers consider what stays and what goes in Nashville's budget, Nashville General Hospital leaders have asked for a boost in funding, saying cuts may be in store if the hospital doesn't get the money.
Hospital leaders asked for $55 million this year, compared to a $35 million ask last year.
But the hospital, which cares for some of Nashville's most vulnerable residents, including the indigent population, said $55 million is what it actually will take to run the hospital.
That's because last year, the hospital got a $16 million funding boost to cover costs after their first $35 million ran out.
At a budget hearing in front of Metro Council members last week, Nashville General Hospital leaders said while $55 million seems like a large increase, it's a realistic amount to continue their current level of care.
At the budget meeting, hospital leaders said if they're only approved for $35 million, they'll have to make cuts, though they declined to specify where the cuts would be made and what programs would be affected.
Final budget decisions will be made next month.
Nashville General released the following statement:
Nashville General Hospital leadership and the Hospital Authority Board are working to protect Nashville General’s core services, while also engaging our partners at Meharry Medical College to minimize impact on the patients and students we serve.
