The Economic Engine of a Hospital

With the stimulus package dominating the news, there is constant talk about the multiplier effect: Every dollar pumped into Medicaid, say, could translate into upwards of  $1.75 in economic impact -- depending on the fed match.

Now, Rhode Island Hospitals are bringing that multiplier home. Here's what they figure they are worth in stimulative effect:

Hospitals in Rhode Island spend $1 billion a year on goods and services. Ripple that through the local economy and it generates $2.2 billion.

In 2007, Rhode Island hospitals spent $200 million on capital improvements to their facilities, generating $400 million in the local economy.

Rhode Island hospitals' payroll is $1.6 billion (5 percent of the private workforce). When hospital employees spend that money, it is worth $3.2 billion in economic activity.

Well, that's one way for hospitals to let everyone know how important they are.