Western Massachusetts Hospital celebrated its 100th year of service last fall.
Donald F. HumasonWESTFIELD – The city’s state legislative delegation expressed confidence Wednesday that the state will provide funding to allow Western Massachusetts Hospital to maintain its current level of care and services.
State Rep. Donald F. Humason Jr., R-Westfield, said that with support from other area state legislators, the House of Representatives Tuesday restore about half of a proposed $500,000 cut to the hospital’s $16 million state allocation for fiscal 2012 that begins July 1.
State Sen. Michael R. Knapik, R-Westfield, said Wednesday “with continued support from our delegation the Senate will be asked to restore the remaining $250,000 proposed in cuts.
Gov. Deval L. Patrick had recommended a budget for the hospital, one of four public facilities throughout the state, of $16 million, about $500,000 less than in recent years.
The House Ways and Means Committee trimmed $500,000 from the FY12 budget proposal, Humason said.
“Representatives from throughout Western Massachusetts provided the means to gain full support in the House on Tuesday to restore half of the cut,” Humason said. “We are looking to Sen. Knapik and the Senate to be a little more successful,” he said.
Knapik said “the goal is give the hospital what they need to maintain current operations. Long-term we hope to increase funding in the future.”
Knapik and Humason said the intent is to “at least” keep state funding for the hospital at the governor’s level for the new fiscal year.
Hospital director Derrick L. Tallman was unable to be reached for comment Wednesday.
The hospital, which celebrated 100 years of service last fall, just completed a $7 million renovation and addition project to enhance services there.
It currently serves 70 patients and has room to serve up to 100 with chronic diseases, terminal illness, neurological disorders and Alzheimer’s disease.