Care Coordination

Maryland's multiyear, legislative push to expand the role of licensed midwives in the state to include care for former cesarean section patients wanting at-home birth for their next child, has come to an end. 

Eau Claire, Wis.-based Marshfield Medical Center has seen a 47% increase in emergency department patients and a 160% increase in births and deliveries in the last month after two local hospitals shut down, Wisconsin Public Radio reported May 20.

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey (Pa.) Medical Center has temporarily paused its kidney transplant program for two weeks after meetings with UNOS. 

Hicksville, Ohio-based Community Memorial Hospital said it will temporarily suspend operations starting May 19.

An effort to reduce emergency department wait times is proving successful for Grand Blanc, Mich.-based McLaren Health.

As hospitals and health systems seek to create more access points to meet demand for healthcare, they are particularly focused on access to care for underserved communities. 

Renton, Wash.-based Providence is upgrading its emergency care and critical cardiac care in Portland, Ore., with a $177 million investment.

Dignity Health's St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, Calif., will close its pediatric unit, effective July 1. 

Eldorado, Ill.-based Ferrell Hospital has stopped accepting patients, including in the emergency department, after significant flooding May 8.

Of the roughly 10% of patients that were boarded in emergency departments, an estimated 30% to 50% were adults 65 and older, KFF Health News reported May 6.