04.03.12 The chiefs of two local public hospitals spoke to the Bayou Industrial Group Monday about health care's business practices and shrinking financing.

Cuts to the charity hospital system have had a lasting effect on Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center, its medical director told the group during its meeting at the Bayou Country Club in Thibodaux.

Dr. Michael Garcia said the hospital made money this fiscal year, but then had to absorb a $4.5 million mid-year budget cut. The loss forced the hospital to eliminate 80 full-time positions and close its delivery, nursery and neonatal-care services.

"It would have been double if we weren't in the black," Garcia said of about $2 million in profit the hospital generated this year. "Chabert has a well-established reputation for stewarding that money well. If we can squeeze a dollar out of a turnip, we will."