Chief Healthcare Executive

Hospitals and health systems are continuing to struggle with a shortage of IV fluids. Tom Cotter, MPH, president and CEO of Healthcare Ready, says some health systems have employed successful conservation strategies, but some hospitals are still delaying non-emergency surgeries. “The folks in rural areas, rural hospitals, critical access care points, they're still really struggling,” Cotter says.?

Doctors and nurses are drawing attention to the problem of patients spending hours, and even days, in emergency departments because rooms aren't available. The American College of Emergency Physicians and Emergency Nurses Association say the boarding crisis is threatening patient safety.

This week, University of Utah Health and CommonSpirit Health have announced that they have formed a clinical partnership. Physicians and providers from University of Utah Health will offer their services at five CommonSpirit hospitals in Utah. Michael L. Good, MD, FNAI, CEO of University of Utah Health, says, "Working together, we will do what we all trained in health care to do: improve health and quality of life."

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Nurses in Ohio are pushing lawmakers for minimum staffing levels. Leaders with the Ohio Nurses Association testified at Ohio's Statehouse about legislation that would require minimum nurse-patient standards.

President-elect Donald Trump has made another unconventional pick for a key position in his administration, naming Dr. Mehmet Oz as his choice to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Oz brings legitimate medical credentials, but his lack of experience running a large operation like CMS has raised concerns.

Two Dignity Health hospitals in Bakersfield, California have a new leader. Simon Ratliff has been named president and CEO of Mercy Hospital Downtown and Mercy Hospital Southwest. He becomes a key leader of the Dignity Health California team. "My role is to serve and support the incredible employees and providers dedicated to caring for our community," Ratliff said.

Some doctors and nurses don't seek help for their mental health because they're worried about hurting their careers. Stefanie Simmons, MD FACEP of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation talks about the organization's work to get state boards and hospitals to drop invasive questions about mental health. "Both healthcare workers and patients are served better when healthcare workers can receive the care they need for conditions that are common to humans," she says.

When medication costs go off the rails, health plans, doctors, and patients suffer. https://ow.ly/AI8b50U8koR Join Dr. Siva Mohan and Dr. Josh Canavan on December 5 to explore the causes and solutions, including HealthTech’s role in reducing costs and improving adherence. Register now!