Literature Review
All posts tagged with “General News.”
Healthcare bankruptcies in 2023 hit highest level in 5 years
02/08/24 at 03:00 AMHealthcare bankruptcies in 2023 hit highest level in 5 yearsModern Healthcare, by Caroline Hudson; 1/25/24Healthcare company bankruptcies soared in 2023 to their highest level in the last five years, according to a report released Thursday by Gibbins Advisors. The advisory firm's report, which looked at Chapter 11 bankruptcy case filings from 2019 to 2023, found 79 healthcare companies with more than $10 million in liabilities filed for bankruptcy protection last year. Pharmaceutical and senior care companies made up nearly half of the list. The next-highest year for bankruptcies was 2019, when 51 companies filed for protection.
Cigna to sell Medicare business to HCSC for $3.3B
02/07/24 at 04:00 AMCigna to sell Medicare business to HCSC for $3.3BBecker's Payer Issues, by Rylee Wilson; 1/31/24The Cigna Group reached a deal to sell its Medicare business to Health Care Service Corp. for $3.3 billion. According to a Jan. 31 news release from Cigna, the sale includes Cigna's Medicare Advantage, supplemental benefits, Medicare Part D offerings, and CareAllies, a value-based care management subsidiary.
Congress' failure to address violence against health care workers
02/07/24 at 04:00 AMCongress' failure to address violence against health care workersHealth Affairs, by Eli Y. Adashi, Daniel P. O’Mahony, I. Glenn Cohen; 2/2/24According to federal government statistics, the “health care and social service industries experience the highest rates of injuries caused by workplace violence and are 5 times as likely to suffer a workplace violence injury than workers overall.” Health care workplace violence has been a persistent and growing concern for more than a decade.
Rising workplace violence against nurses: A pressing issue in the healthcare sector
02/07/24 at 03:00 AMRising workplace violence against nurses: A pressing issue in the healthcare sector Medriva, by Zara Nwosu; 2/5/24According to a report published by National Nurses United, there has been a disturbing increase in violence against nurses in their workplace, with a staggering 81.6% of nurses reporting experiences of violence. ... It negatively impacts recruitment and retention, with 60% of nurses stating that the experience of violence has influenced their decision to change jobs, leave jobs, or even consider leaving the profession.
Cano Health files for bankruptcy, receives $150-mln financing commitment
02/06/24 at 04:00 AMCano Health files for bankruptcy, receives $150-mln financing commitmentReuters; 2/5/24Cano Health opens new tab filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware late on Sunday and said it entered into a restructuring support agreement to reduce debt and solicit potential offers, including the sale of the firm. Shares of the Miami-based company fell more than 50% before the bell. The primary care provider said it has received a commitment for $150 million in new debtor-in-possession financing from some of its existing lenders, which is expected to provide sufficient liquidity to support its ongoing operations.
Colorado’s paid leave program just launched. Here’s why that’s good for the state.
02/06/24 at 04:00 AMColorado’s paid leave program just launched. Here’s why that’s good for the state.U.S. Department of Labor Blog, by Gayle Goldin; 2/5/24Today marks the 31st anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), landmark federal legislation that provides eligible workers unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons. ... But the FMLA is not enough. The lack of a paid leave standard means that many people cannot afford to take time away from work, even when they need it. That’s why we’re celebrating Colorado’s new paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI), which began accepting applications on Jan. 1.
When a spouse goes to the nursing home
02/06/24 at 04:00 AMWhen a spouse goes to the nursing homeThe New York Times, by Paula Span; 2/5/24After moving his partner of 33 years to a memory care residence, Joseph Drolet, a retired lawyer in Atlanta, said his fear of what would happen to her if he died or became disabled has abated.
NC report defines healthcare worker shortage and recommends solutions
02/06/24 at 04:00 AMNC report defines healthcare worker shortage and recommends solutionsNC Newsline, by Lynn Bonner; 1/29/24The healthcare workforce has a lot of gaps. The report from DHHS and Commerce focused on nursing, behavioral health, and direct care, saying these areas are the most urgent.
Spending in home care outpaces other healthcare sectors
02/06/24 at 04:00 AMSpending in home care outpaces other healthcare sectorsMcKnights Senior Living, by Kathleen Steele Gaivin; 2/2/24Spending in home healthcare outpaced other healthcare sectors in November, according to Altarum’s monthly Health Sector Economic Indicators brief, released Wednesday. “In November 2023, year-over-year spending on home healthcare grew the fastest among major spending categories, at 12.9%,” Altarum Fellow and Senior Researcher George Miller told the McKnight’s Business Daily. ... Spending on nursing home care grew 7.9%; prescription drug 12.2%; dental services 5.8%; hospital care 5.9%; Overall, personal spending on healthcare goods and services was 7.3% in November, year over year.
What happens to the pets of local hospice patients?
02/05/24 at 04:00 AMWhat happens to the pets of local hospice patients?InterReviewed, by Mercedez Hernandez; 2/1/24Nonprofit organizations dedicated to finding homes for animals say there is a great need for these services when a pet owner is experiencing their final moments in hospice care. Kerrvile Pets Alive recently rescued Gracie, a 9-year-old tabby cat whose owner was about to die in hospice. Karen Guerriero, president of the nonprofit’s board of directors, said the agency works directly with Peterson Health Hospice in Kerrville to accommodate pets when requested, as in Gracie’s case.
Dying mother wins $10m from WA after cancer became terminal in prison
02/05/24 at 04:00 AMDying mother wins $10m from WA after cancer became terminal in prisonNewsFinale; 2/2/24Washington State has paid just shy of $10 million to settle a lawsuit with a mother-of-two whose cervical cancer became terminal while she was in prison after doctors there failed to diagnose and treat the disease. Paula Gardner, 42, was serving time for drug and burglary offences and did not receive adequate medical care for over two years despite tests showing possible signs of cancer in that time before a scan revealed a growth inside her uterus, according to the lawsuit.
Corby boy, 10, set for Arctic trek in tribute to father
02/05/24 at 04:00 AMCorby boy, 10, set for Arctic trek in tribute to fatherBBC News, by Kate Bradbrook & Brian Farmer; 2/2/24A 10-year-old boy once told he might never walk can look forward to days of "wonder" as he prepares to trek in the Arctic in memory of his late father. Caeden, who has cerebral palsy, was born 12 weeks early. But Caeden, of Corby, Northamptonshire, has climbed Ben Nevis and is now set to meet the Arctic challenge. Mountain guide John Cousins said the "biggest danger in such conditions comes from the cold". Caeden is due to travel to Sweden on Monday with mother Lisa, brother Ashton, 12, and sister Khya, 14.
Tips for caring for loved ones at the end of their life
02/02/24 at 04:00 AMTips for caring for loved ones at the end of their life CBC Life, by Caitlin Stall-Paquet; 1/30/24Palliative care experts on how to comfort a dying person and prepare yourself for the supportive role. ...
Hospital staff fulfills hospice patient's final wish to attend son's wedding
02/02/24 at 04:00 AMHospital staff fulfills hospice patient's final wish to attend son's weddingNBC 10 News; 1/31/24A hospice patient in Fall River was able to attend his son's wedding, thanks to the help of some healthcare workers. The wedding was held inside of Charlton Memorial Hospital's chapel on Wednesday. Staff said it was patient John's last wish to see his son get married.
Hospice dog in Leonberg: Golden retriever Jamie provides comfort to the dying
02/02/24 at 04:00 AMHospice dog in Leonberg: Golden retriever Jamie provides comfort to the dying Lofta; 1/30/24A quick smile – Golden Retriever Jamie gives dying people a valuable moment of lightness through his mere presence. He is a visiting dog at the Leonberg hospice. ...
New Braunfels Hope Hospice veteran and wife reunited with son, who lives in Japan
02/02/24 at 04:00 AMNew Braunfels Hope Hospice veteran and wife reunited with son, who lives in JapanThe Herald-Zeitung, by Erica Wilson; 1/31/24Hope Hospice’s recent partnership with the nonprofit Luke’s Wings made this long-awaited reunion possible. Hope Hospice covers a 50-mile radius from New Braunfels, providing hospice care and community grief services. Luke’s Wings is based in Washington, D.C. and provides emergency travel planning services and airplane tickets for families of wounded or ill service members, veterans and fallen officers.Editor's Note: Click here for Luke's Wings website.
Virginia lawmakers push richer employer-provided benefits to workers
02/01/24 at 04:00 AMVirginia lawmakers push richer employer-provided benefits to workerThe Center Square, by Morgan Sweeney; 1/30/24Calling her state and America behind "the entire industrialized world," a Virginia senator is one of two lawmakers pushing legislation to implement an employer-provided benefit to workers. ... The program would guarantee that employees taking time off for the birth of a child or “an illness, injury, impairment ... or physical or mental condition that involves inpatient care in a hospital, hospice, or residential medical care facility or continuing treatment by a health care provider” would continue to receive 80% of their paycheck for up to 12 weeks of leave.
How people with disabilities make a positive impact in the workplace
02/01/24 at 04:00 AMHow people with disabilities make a positive impact in the workplaceForbes, by Diane Winiarski; 1/30/24The advantages that people with disabilities bring to their employers are many and varied – from higher revenue and enhanced productivity, to a more positive and supportive environment.
In-cure-able isn’t un-care-able: Pope’s February intention is the terminally ill
02/01/24 at 04:00 AMIn-cure-able isn’t un-care-able: Pope’s February intention is the terminally ill Aleteia, by Kathleen N. Hattrup; 1/30/24In the month of February, Pope Francis is inviting the whole Church to pray for a renewed commitment to the terminally ill and their families. ... The World Day of the Sick was established in 1992 by John Paul II. Pope Francis explains that “when some people talk about terminal illnesses, there are two words they often confuse: incurable and un-care-able. But they are not the same.”
Worcester hospital nurses file complaints over 'dangerous conditions'
02/01/24 at 04:00 AMWorcester hospital nurses file complaints over 'dangerous conditions' MassLive.com, by Susannah Sudborough; 1/30/24Nurses at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester have filed official complaints with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and other state agencies over “dangerous conditions” they say are jeopardizing patient safety, the state’s largest nurse’s union announced Tuesday. The complaints are based on over 500 reports made by nurses over the last six months that detail issues such as staffing deficiencies and poor allocation of technology, the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), which represents the nurses, said in a press release.
Duke University welcomes seventh grader James Walter to the Blue Devil Wrestling Team
02/01/24 at 04:00 AMDuke University welcomes seventh grader James Walter to the Blue Devil Wrestling TeamBVM Sports; 1/30/24The 2023-24 Duke wrestling team welcomes new member James Walter, a seventh grader matched with the Blue Devil wrestling program via Team IMPACT. James, a student at Holly Ridge Middle School in N.C., battled serious illness but is now in the long-term maintenance phase of treatment, eager to return to sports. This heartwarming story reflects the power of sports to inspire and uplift individuals facing adversity, showcasing the positive impact of college sports teams in the community.
Caregivers: Being a ‘care partner’ for someone is not a burden
02/01/24 at 04:00 AMCaregivers: Being a ‘care partner’ for someone is not a burden Parkinson's News Today, by Marisa Wexler, MS; 1/30/24Focusing on 'burden' reduces care partner support to 'burden reduction.' ... “A singular focus on ‘caregiver burden’ and a lack of knowledge of care partners’ perceptions of [Parkinson’s] caregiving can limit care partner support to only burden reduction, which may not always be possible given the progressive nature of the disease,” wrote the scientists, who interviewed 16 caregivers to better understand their perspectives.
St. Mary’s Hospice launches community choir to foster wellbeing and connections
02/01/24 at 04:00 AMSt Mary’s Hospice launches community choir to foster wellbeing and connectionsBNN, by Safak Costu; 1/30/24St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston [United Kingdom] has heralded a new era of community engagement with the inauguration of its unique community choir. The first session, held at the hospice’s Living Well Centre, marked the beginning of what is expected to be a vibrant and melodic journey. The choir is a testament to the hospice’s commitment to fostering wellbeing and community connections, extending an open invitation to all, regardless of musical prowess or experience.
Seniors spend the equivalent of 3 weeks a year on health care, study says
01/31/24 at 04:00 AMSeniors spend the equivalent of 3 weeks a year on health care, study saysThe Washington Post, by Linda Searing; 1/29/24Older adults spend an average of three weeks every year on doctor’s appointments and other health care outside their homes, according to research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Of those 21 “health care contact days,” 17 involve ambulatory services, such as office visits with primary-care doctors or specialists, testing and imaging, procedures, treatments and therapy. The remaining four days included time spent in an emergency room, hospital, skilled nursing facility or hospice.
Love, Valentines … and snacks
01/31/24 at 04:00 AMLove, Valentines … and snacksjournal-news.net; 1/29/24In just a couple of short weeks, Hospice of the Panhandle’s Education Center, once again will turn into a Valentine snack center. And the end result will be that thousands of snacks, ranging from granola bars to raisins to potato chips to candy, will be distributed to Hospice providers and supporters as a thank you during Valentine’s season.