It was established by the state legislature in 1970. Never in its history has it faced the combination of political, institutional, and financial problems that exist today. Yet its future survival may depend on how well it adapts to the changing realities of managed health care.
Public hospitals serve a unique and vital role in the way our cities deliver health care.
Unlike all other health providers, public facilities provide care to all who seek it. A historic tradition of taking care of the neediest members of society has created institutions that provide culturally sensitive care to socially and economically underprivileged people. HHC's Services HHC's system is large, geographically dispersed, and comprehensive across all levels of care. HHC's ambulatory care system provided almost five million visits in FY96, including over half a million visits at free-standing ambulatory care centers. To provide essential back-up to that primary care network, HHC operates 11 acute care hospitals, containing 5,964 beds.