More of this story Aug 28, 2008
A hospice house is an acute care, inpatient facility specifically designed to address the requirements and requests of patients facing the end of life. In a hospice house, healthcare professionals provide pain management, symptom control and medical procedures in a safe, homelike setting where families and friends are encouraged to visit. (The Fort Meade Leader, FL)
Pain Therapeutics and King Pharmaceuticals Develop a New Abuse-Resistant Prescription Pain Medication Aug 27, 2008
King, an S&P 500 Index company, seeks to capitalize on opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry through the development, including through in-licensing arrangements and acquisitions, of novel branded prescription pharmaceutical products that complement the Company's focus in specialty-driven markets, particularly neuroscience, hospital and acute care. King strives to be a leader and partner of choice in bringing innovative, clinically-differentiated medicines and technologies to market. (Primezone Releases)
Alarm over Sydney hospital deaths Aug 26, 2008
The thing that worries me is that Reba Meagher has been warned time and again by doctors, nurses and others that a lack of resources particularly a shortage of acute care beds, a shortage of experienced nursing and medical staff and a failure to invest appropriately in IT and other communications technology would have a terrible impact on hospitals. Well here it is. (ABC Online)
Hospitals blamed for series of deaths Aug 26, 2008
The Special Commission of Inquiry into Acute Care Services was so inundated with complaints from Westmead staff that it held an extra sitting day at the hospital. Only 20 per cent of cases in both the 2006 and 2007 reports were not due to systemic or individual failures. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Look into the camera, say 'Ah' Aug 25, 2008
In a pilot study at Massachusetts General Hospital reported in the journal Telemedicine and e-Health, 30 patients who came to see their primary care physician for routine follow-up or acute care agreed to first have a visit via a computer equipped with a Web camera. Their physician, Dr. Ronald F. Dixon, sat in another room to conduct the visit, asking questions while patients pointed to where it hurt, for example. (Boston Globe)
PharMEDium to be Provider of HealthTrust Hospitals' Outsourced Compounded Pharmacy Preparations Aug 23, 2008
"PharMEDium is the leader in its field, and its expertise aligns with our commitment to superior patient care that is supported by market-leading suppliers." "This partnership marks a significant milestone for PharMEDium," said David Jonas, PharMEDium Chairman and CEO. "To work at this level with an organization of HealthTrust's reputation, one that shares our values around quality, safety, and leadership, is tremendous." About HealthTrust Purchasing Group, LP HealthTrust Purchasing Group,... (PR Newswire)
DeKalb Medical at Downtown Decatur unveils strategic plan Aug 21, 2008
Outpatient surgery will be relocated to DeKalb Medical at North Decatur to focus the downtown Decatur hospital on long-term acute care ... Graham was most recently vice president for a long-term acute care management company, overseeing hospital operations in three states. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
Wilmington man named director of planned giving Aug 21, 2008
Along with the NHS s four acute care facilities Beverly, Addison Gilbert and BayRidge hospitals, and the Beverly Hospital at Danvers Medical and Day Surgery Center behavioral health services are provided through Health and Education Services, Inc., while substance abuse and preventative services are available through CAB Health and Recovery Services, Inc.. In addition, NHS offers senior health services through a continuum of care including skilled nursing and assisted living centers and... (Wilmington Advocate, MA)
Alternative medicine offers old solutions for ailments Aug 21, 2008
Acupuncture does not offer the type of acute care Western medicine excels at, Gerst adds, but like many practitioners of complementary therapies, he sees further integration of alternative practices affecting the course of mainstream medical care in the future. The practitioners also reiterate that inexpensive, self-motivated lifestyle changes-in exercise, nutrition and stress management, for starters-improve overall health and well-being. (Chetek Alert, WI)
Four New Physicians Added to Mercy Group in County Aug 20, 2008
In early 2007, both physicians worked for Acute Care, Inc., at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe and Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton ... Just prior to joining the medical group, he worked for Acute Care, Inc., at Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Legacy Hospital Partners to build New Mexico hospital Aug 20, 2008
The University of New Mexico Medical Group Inc. has signed a letter of intent to negotiate exclusively with to build a new acute care teaching hospital in Sandoval County ... Construction, which will run between $100 million and $150 million, will be financed by Legacy, a private for-profit company established by former executives of Dallas-based in January to own, operate and manage acute care hospitals in small cities and select urban markets. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
Undocumented immigrant in coma set to be returned to Mexico Aug 20, 2008
"Hospitals don't have the financial resources to meet all of the acute care needs [of patients without insurance], let alone take on all the chronic care needs that present with patients like this," Chamberlin said. Members of Pantaleon's family appealed to the Mexican Consulate for help last week, said Ioana Navarrete, consul for the protection department. (Chicago Tribune)
Dearth of dialysis beds 'serious' for hospitals Aug 19, 2008
The hospital, formerly St. Francis Medical Center, usually had 20 to 30 dialysis patients in acute care at any one time but now has only five beds devoted to dialysis ... A limit of five beds at Hawaii Medical Center-East for patients needing kidney dialysis and acute care has hit Oahu's other hospitals with an unexpected surge of dialysis cases ... " But Queen's will put a limit on how many Oahu dialysis patients it will accept that are not emergencies, Wong said. The former St. Francis Medical... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Yawn named interim VP of hospital Aug 19, 2008
She commanded a group of 400 medical professionals including physicians, nurses and medical technicians in the care of 6,000 active duty personnel and 92,000 health care beneficiaries in a 75-bed acute care hospital with 14 outpatient clinics and a level II emergency department. Yawn holds a master s degree in nursing and a bachelor s degree in nursing, magna cum laude, from the University of Texas. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
RehabCare sells Midland, Texas, hospital to HealthSouth Aug 19, 2008
RehabCare also owns and operates freestanding rehabilitation and long-term acute care hospitals. Reader Comments. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Commission's PMC agreement Aug 16, 2008
This letter of intent sets forth a non-binding agreement in principle between Legacy Hospital Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Capital Partner) and Bannock County, Idaho (the County), covering the major terms and conditions of a proposed shared governance joint community benefit arrangement whereby a newly-created joint community benefit organization, to be co-owned by Capital Partner and Portneuf Health Care Foundation, Inc., an Idaho nonprofit corporation (the Foundation) would:... (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
LifeCare Holdings, Inc. Announces Second Quarter Results Aug 15, 2008
LifeCare, based in Plano, Texas, operates 20 long term acute care hospitals located in ten states. Long term acute care hospitals specialize in the treatment of medically complex patients who typically require extended hospitalization. (PR Newswire)
Vapotherm closes on nearly $21M round of financing Aug 15, 2008
The company will use the money for product development, sales expansion and to support the launch of its latest acute care device, Precision Flow. The device, which can be used to help patients in critical care settings like ICUs and emergency rooms, received approval Aug. 7 from the. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Experiences in managing problematic crystal methamphetamine use and associated depression in gay men and HIV positive men: in-depth interviews with general practitioners in Sydney, Australia Aug 15, 2008
Greater resourcing of acute care and referral services can shift the burden away from primary care and community services. Further investigation should consider whether these findings are reproducible in other general practice settings, the relationship between depression, drug use and HIV medication, and challenges facing the HIV general practice workforce in Australia. (BioMed Central)
Hospital pegged for Lakeway Aug 13, 2008
a rehabilitation hospital with about 85 patient rooms for long-term acute care, convalescence and full-service therapy. an elder-care facility for 80 to 100 patients. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
Producer Jerry Finn Taken Off Life Support Aug 13, 2008
"At this time the hemorrhage has done massive damage to his body which will leave him severely disabled and in need of acute care for the rest of his life. We know Jerry wouldn't want to live like this in a vegetative state.". Finn, 38, got his start as an engineer in the early 1990s before shifting into production on such albums as Rancid's "...And Out Come the Wolves." Among his best-known production credits are Blink-182's "Enema of the State" and Morissey's "You Are the Quarry." Finn has... (Billboard.com)
Houston hospital lands on most-improved list Aug 12, 2008
Researchers evaluated 2,867 short-term, acute care, non-federal hospitals grouped into five categories, from major teaching hospitals to small community hospitals. The leading hospitals turned around a record of having more patient deaths and adverse safety events than expected to having fewer than expected, while also reducing patient stays by a day despite more serious illnesses. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Doctors Hospital, Genesis join to combat managed care Aug 12, 2008
Like most stand-alone community providers, the 250-bed acute care Doctors Hospital is feeling the sting from a rapidly changing health care market ... "We want to be an integrated delivery system rather than an acute care hospital." ... "We very much wanted to get into extended care mainly because acute care is a decreasing line of business," Downs said. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Novis Pharmaceuticals Announces John W. Kilgour as Executive Vice-President of Sales & Marketing Aug 11, 2008
Other key positions within Cardinal Health included sales management to national and regional Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) as well as managing pharmaceutical and medical supply sales and marketing initiatives for the acute care and managed care business segments. Tom Burke, President and CEO of Novis Pharmaceuticals, said, "John will be a great mentor and teacher for our employees and an even better advocate for our customers. He has established longstanding, solid relationships and has... (PR Newswire)
A healthy home Aug 10, 2008
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare provides mental health services in Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Putnam (acute care only), Suwannee and Union counties. Anyone in those counties who believes they need mental health care can call (800) 330-5616 and they will be directed to a person to help them, Rice said. (Lake City Reporter, FL)
Fall-prevention seen cutting Medicaid costs Aug 7, 2008
It also resulted in a $21 million reduction in acute care costs, Baker said. Researchers compared rates of injuries from falls in Hartford County, where about 3,000 practitioners had been exposed to ways to make changes in their clinical practice, to rates in New Haven County, where practitioners had not been exposed to interventions that prevent falls. (New Haven Register, CT)
Ventas Reports 20 Percent Increase in Second Quarter Normalized FFO to $98.7 Million Aug 6, 2008
Investments -- In April, Ventas purchased $50 million principal amount of fixed rate unsecured corporate debt issued by a national acute care hospital company at a discount for $44. 8 million. (PR Newswire)
HealthSouth Reports Strong Results for Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2008 Aug 6, 2008
HealthSouth Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information June 30, December 31, June 30, Facilities 2008 2007 2007 # of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals 93* 94 93 # of long-term acute care hospitals 6 6 8 # of outpatient satellites 59 60 80 * In the second quarter of 2008, we consolidated our Odessa, Texas inpatient rehabilitation facility into our Midland, Texas inpatient rehabilitation hospital ... Operating in 26 states across the country and in Puerto Rico, HealthSouth serves more... (PR Newswire)
Physical Therapist / PT $5,000 Sign on Bonus! Aug 6, 2008
RehabCare also owns and operates freestanding rehabilitation and long-term acute care hospitals. We provide services within inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing and home health settings. (Florida Today)
Survivors angry that pilot tried to land plane in monsoon storm Aug 5, 2008
program is a course designed to facilitate the transition of the new graduate nurse into the rn role within the acute care patient setting. qualifications. (Yahoo News -- Thailand)
AMICAS Reports Financial Results for the Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2008 Aug 5, 2008
Acute care and hospital clients are provided a fully-integrated, HIS/RIS-independent PACS, featuring advanced enterprise workflow support and scalable design. Complementing the Vision Series product family is AMICAS Insight(TM) Solutions, a set of client-centered professional and consulting services that assist our customers with a well-planned transition to a digital enterprise. (PR Newswire)
Cost Of Stabbings To Britain's Health Service Revealed Aug 5, 2008
"Although the costs of penetrating trauma resulting from shooting are higher than from stabbing, the most commonly used weapon in violent crime in England and Wales is actually a knife. "At an average cost of 7,699 per penetrating injury from alleged assault and a total of 417 injuries per year requiring hospitalisation for at least three days, the total acute care cost of this type of injury alone may exceed 3. 2 million annually. (Science Daily)
Casper briefs Aug 5, 2008
Cathi Blise, chief nursing officer, most recently held the position of Service Line Director of Acute Care Services at St. Mary's Health Center in St. Louis. Prior to that, she was chief nursing officer at Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful, Utah. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Struggling to stay healthy Aug 4, 2008
St. Mary's is hoping to merge with nearby Amsterdam Memorial, a hospital that no longer offers acute care and is focusing instead on outpatient, rehabilitation and other services. Amsterdam, which hasn't had a profit since 2005, is waiting to hear whether the state will help pay merger costs. (Albany Times Union)
Could Philly hospital tax work here? Aug 4, 2008
The new levy will be applied to the net operating revenues of general acute care hospitals, meaning those with an emergency room. Children's hospitals and psychiatric hospitals are excluded. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Wesley parent company reports strong 2Q gains Aug 1, 2008
Wesley is Wichita's second largest acute care hospital, according to the Wichita Business Journal Book of Lists. Reader Comments. (Wichita Business Journal, KS)
I'm sorry: Butcher of Bega Aug 1, 2008
The report was the first from Mr Garling's Special Commission of Inquiry into Acute Care Services in NSW Public Hospitals held earlier this year. Reeves told the inquiry that he made it clear to Dr Arthurson and Dr Mortimer that he only wanted to practise gynaecology and he was not applying to work as an obstetrician, although he admitted not telling them that he was in fact banned. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Can you afford the dentist? Jul 31, 2008
Horn said the services offered will include an evaluation, acute care treatment and cleaning, and the staff is prepared to serve as many people as they feel can be treated properly. Patients may bring items they feel they can trade, but Horn is asking them to refrain from bringing live animals or baked goods. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Rogue surgeon referred to DPP Jul 31, 2008
Today's report was the first from Mr Garling's Special Commission of Inquiry into Acute Care Services in NSW Public Hospitals held earlier this year. The Opposition health spokeswoman Jillian Skinner said Ms Meagher had failed to hold anyone accountable beyond Mr Reeves himself for his appointment. (Sydney Morning Herald)
President's Award Recognizes Hospital's Response to Bridge Collapse Jul 29, 2008
The comprehensive academic medical center and public teaching hospital includes a 446-bed acute care hospital and primary care and specialty clinics located in downtown Minneapolis, and four primary care clinics in Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County. For the 12th year in a row, Hennepin County Medical Center is listed in the U.S. News Report rankings of the top U.S. Hospitals in its annual "America's Best Hospitals" report. (PR Newswire)
Universal Health Services, Inc. Reports 2008 Second Quarter Results, Raises 2008 Full Year Guidance Jul 29, 2008
Acute Care Services: At our acute care hospitals owned during both periods ("same facility basis"), inpatient admissions increased 0 ... On a same facility basis, net revenues at our acute care facilities increased 7 ... On a same facility basis, the operating margin (net revenues less salaries, wages and benefits, other operating expenses, supplies expense and provision for doubtful accounts) at our acute care hospitals increased to 14. (PR Newswire)
Health Cure Express Jul 29, 2008
"You can get a consistency in your care, even if it is an acute care clinic.". The clinic is leasing its space within the pharmacy, but the two business will operate independently. (The Daily Reflector)
Overuse of antibiotics can spread infection Jul 29, 2008
Once thought to be a rare hospital-acquired infection, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus is now known to be a problem that is found outside acute care facilities in a wide range of settings. Keegan said that as many as one in five people may carry the MRSA bacteria on their skin at any given time and not know it. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Noosa Hospital struggles with staff shortages Jul 26, 2008
But we can provide accident and emergency services of acute care, he said. Sunshine Coast and Cooloola Health Service district manager Kevin Hegarty said he had arranged additional resources, including staff for both the Gympie and Nambour hospitals over the weekend. (Sunshine Coast Daily)
RF Surgical raises $8 million Jul 26, 2008
RF Surgical Detection System into acute care hospitals throughout the country. Reader Comments. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
Debate continues on contentious nurse-staffing bill: Battle between unions pits nurses against each other Jul 25, 2008
The House bill, approved in May by a 119-35 vote, gives the Department of Public Health (DPH) the authority to regulate and limit the number of patients assigned to each registered nurse in the state s acute care hospitals. The Senate bill, approved last week in a vote of 23-13, instead requires nurses input in publicly posted staffing plans developed by each hospital. (Melrose Free Press, MA)
Endocrinologists Issue Consensus Statement on Pre-Diabetes Jul 25, 2008
" They also stressed that health insurance should start providing better coverage for lifestyle intervention programs. "Healthcare systems that emphasize acute care to the exclusion of disease prevention or chronic disease management will fail patients with diabetes and patients at high risk of diabetes," they said. Primary source: American College of Endocrinology Source reference:American College of Endocrinology Task Force on Pre-Diabetes "Consensus statement on the diagnosis and management... (MedPage Today)
VA shuts down Wash. nursing home Jul 25, 2008
The center has 66 beds for acute care, nursing, psychiatric and substance abuse treatment. Thirty beds are devoted to nursing. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Health trust's shortcomings highlighted Jul 25, 2008
Mrs Bell said: "We received a fair rating for our acute care services."However, this was a strong fair as we were just one point away from a good rating. "We are satisfied with the score, but aim to achieve good or excellent on our next assessment.". (Peterborough Today)
Analysis Of Quickly Stopped Rx Orders Provides New Tool For Reducing Medical Errors Jul 24, 2008
Koppel added that prescription errors are often obscured by the messy reality of illness, multi-faceted treatments, and the rapid pace and complexity of an acute care hospital. The measure proposed here, while preliminary, indicates that 66% of prescriptions discontinued within 45 minutes after their origination are inappropriate. (Science Daily)
Saving Lives After Natural Disasters With Fast Set-Up Phone Network Jul 24, 2008
This research emerges at a time of change in health care provision with increasing emphasis on the integration of health and social care by community services so that hospital trusts can concentrate on providing acute care. It highlights the need for more detailed health assessments of residents in care homes than is currently carried out. (Science Daily)
Humana, Kindred reach provider agreement Jul 24, 2008
Kindred (NYSE: KND), which operates nearly 650 health care centers in 40 states, provides long-term acute care, skilled-nursing center and contract-rehabilitation services. The company has about 53,000 employees. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Centene posts second-quarter profit increase Jul 24, 2008
4 million; completed the previously announced acquisition of , a health insurance carrier focused on the individual health insurance market; concluded operations for SSI recipients in the Northwest region of Ohio; awarded a contract by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System to provide Acute Care services to Medicaid recipients in the Yavapai service area. "Our team remains committed to the goal of margin expansion and we expect to achieve a runrate pretax margin of 4 percent by the end... (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Study shows emergency physicians have good first instincts in diagnosing heart attacks Jul 24, 2008
The system comprises 1,154 acute care, rehabilitation and long-term care beds and has been ranked as one of "America's Best Hospitals" by U.S. News Report since 1993. Wake Forest Baptist is ranked 32nd in the nation by America's Top Doctors for the number of its doctors considered best by their peers. (EurekAlert!)
Pandemic flu: Most nursing homes don't have a plan Jul 23, 2008
If an influenza pandemic hits the United States, acute care hospitals are likely to be overwhelmed ... To relieve some of that burden, additional sites known as Acute Care Centers and Neighborhood Emergency Help Centers would be set up at places such as schools, armories, shopping malls and nursing homes. (EurekAlert!)
Baptist Health System will seek approval to build and operate a hospital in Hoover Jul 23, 2008
The plan is for a full-service hospital that would offer a 24-hour emergency department and maternity care, as well as other acute care services. "It sticks out that Hoover needs a hospital," said Shane Spees, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health System. (AL.com)
Los Gatos hospital needs retrofit, new operator Jul 22, 2008
Adding to its shaky situation is a possibly multimillion-dollar seismic retrofit needed at the 143-bed acute care facility, making it harder to attract a new operator. Tenet Chief Operating Officer Dr. Stephen L. Newman said the decision to exit operations in Los Gatos, which has been part of the medical landscape since 1962, was partly because of the age of the plant and the capital improvements that are needed. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Community Health eyes Sams Club building Jul 22, 2008
Community Health does operate an acute care clinic to serve walk-in patients with more urgent medical needs. Dental patients who need quick attention can come to the clinic and hope a dentist can see them between appointments. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Tenet Healthcare to move downtown Jul 19, 2008
Tenet Healthcare Corp., through its subsidiaries, owns and operates acute care hospitals and related health care services. bhethcock@bizjournals. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
Oakwood Healthcare and UM-Dearborn Develop a New Home for Educational Programs for Children, Families and Future Teachers Jul 18, 2008
Oakwood serves residents over a 500-square-mile area and operates four acute care hospitals, several health centers and a vast number of specialty services, including four centers of excellence. More than 1,300 physicians, representing nearly every medical, surgical specialty and subspecialty, are affiliated with OHS. The organization serves more than 1. (PR Newswire)
Sale lets Medicorp focus on hospitals The sale of the Carriage Hill nursing home closes a chapter in the corporate history of MediCorp Health System Jul 18, 2008
"It's not a variation of acute care. It's a different animal," Rankin said. Christopher Bailey, senior vice president for the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, a state trade group, said all hospitals are under financial pressure to examine their businesses and see which ones fit with their core missions. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Mercy to open clinic in Charles City Jul 17, 2008
The clinic will specialize in family medicine, treating patients of all ages from preventative medicine to acute care. Mercy Family Clinic Charles City is a department of Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, a Top 100 Hospital in the nation for six years and Top 100 Cardiovascular Hospital for seven years. (Charles City Press, IO)
Grady could have busy CEO day Jul 17, 2008
Finalists include Gregory Burfitt, 59, who until recently was CEO of Centura Health system in Colorado, overseeing 12 acute care hospitals; and James Burkhart, 54, president of Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, a large trauma center in Florida. In addition, Grady officials are considering Michael Young, 52, who for three years has been CEO of the Erie County Medical Center Corp. in upstate New York; and Dr. Michael Keith Butler, 52, who oversees seven hospitals in the Louisiana State... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Hospital Sues Patient For Trespassing Jul 17, 2008
Since the accident, she has been in-and-out of hospitals and acute care. Sutter Roseville Medical Center has been Gouveia's home for the past year, but the hospital said her health stabilized and she is ready to be moved to another facility. (KCRA 3, CA)
Do It All, Do It Now, Do It For America Jul 17, 2008
This new system must be centered on the individual instead of bureaucracy and focus on prevention and wellness instead of acute care. That's why I founded the Center for Health Transformation - a collaboration of health leaders dedicated to transforming America's health care system into this new model. (Human Events Online)
