The parent organization of University Hospital, University of Missouri Healthcare, struggled financially for several years and lost nearly $40 million between fiscal years 2000 and 2002. In 2001, hospital officials embarked on a plan to attack the deficit by laying off some employees, improving billing procedures and realigning some hospital services. In 2002, the university system hired a private medical management firm, The Hunter Group, which created a turnaround based on management and accountability practice changes. Hunter Management also recruited nearly 50 new faculty members.