AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/safety-net/)
The Loretto Hospital has become the first safety-net hospital in Illinois to conduct clinical trials, making it a pioneer for Illinois hospitals that serve patients regardless of insurance status.
The new funding plan could leave safety-net hospitals like Loretto in a difficult position. About 600 people are employed at the hospital.
The Austin facility, one of the community’s largest employers, heavily relies on the federal-state funding, which puts its future at risk, state Rep. Camille Lilly said last week.