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ALBANY, GA -- Phoebe Putney's Finance Committee met Wednesday to discuss and approve their budget--and there's good news for the hospital and its patients!

The Phoebe Putney Finance Committee met Wednesday and approved their 2011/2012 budget.

“One thing that the community should demand of us is that we manage this as efficiently as we can,” said Joe Austin, Chief Operations Officer.

Which they did--they're actually under budget. And Austin believes phoebe is only growing--the committee is budgeting for a seven percent increase in patients and procedures.

“And we're doing that because as the Phoebe system grows, we're creating a regional strategy and we're seeing more and more patients come to Albany.”

They've also allocated over $200 million for new technology, facilities and equipment, including eight million for things like lab equipment and stretchers.

But the patients are benefitting from the budget as well. Austin says they are able to cut costs across the board. A much needed thing in this time of economic stress.

“The fact that we can decrease prices on things I think is huge, that should send a big message to the community, these guys are really trying to be fiscally very responsible.”

Also discussed was Phoebe Sumter, set to open December 17 of this year. Planning to be part of the green initiative, one building will have a green roof.

“It saves energy, it's a lower cost roof. We wanted to set the tone that we're conscientious in all aspects of what we do, not just in providing high quality health care but also in our stewardship of the environment,” said Tim Trottier, Senior V.P. of Regional Operations.

The budget was presented to, and approved by, the Phoebe Putney Board of Directors.