KANSAS CITY, KAN. ? The University of Kansas Hospital posted another solid financial year in 2004, officials announced Tuesday, but growth was limited by space constraints.

The hospital’s operating revenue from the fiscal year, which ended June 30, was $406 million, up 13 percent from the previous year. The hospital reported 18,989 inpatient visits, up 1 percent from 2003 after rising 43 percent combined in the previous six years.

“The only reason (for less growth) is we’re at capacity,” said Irene Cumming, the hospital’s president and CEO. “Everything’s still very positive.”

Some of those space issues should be alleviated when the hospital opens its $77 million, 238,000-square-foot Center for Advanced Heart Care in summer 2006.

The hospital also saw increases in outpatient visits, which rose 3 percent to 231,508, and emergency visits, which rose 0.7 percent to 39,058.

With the increased emergency volume came continued increases in uncompensated care to patients without insurance. The hospital delivered $62 million in uncompensated care, up 19 percent from the previous year.

“I don’t see any good signs in terms of that being reduced,” Cumming said.

She said one disappointment in the financial outlook was the amount of cash on hand. The hospital had about 120 days’ worth of operating cash on hand but would like to have closer to 160 days’ worth, Cumming said.

The hospital is governed by a separate authority from KU but remains affiliated with the KU schools of medicine, nursing and allied health.