Chief Healthcare Executive’s Post

An IV fluid shortage is hitting hospitals nationwide and it could last for weeks, according to the federal government. Hospitals have already seen supply challenges and some are delaying surgeries. The shortages are tied to the flooding of a key plant in North Carolina from Helene; the plant produces over half the IV fluids used nationwide. The American Hospital Association has been pressing the government to take steps to help health systems.

With Hurricane Milton heading toward Florida, some hospitals have evacuated and some facilities have transferred patients. Mary Mayhew, president and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association, is worried about the potential for catastrophic flooding. “We have hospitals evacuating, but we have other hospitals, of course, that have made the decision that they can keep their patients safe," she says. "They are remaining open." See how Florida hospitals are preparing for Milton, less than two weeks after the arrival of Hurricane Helene. https://lnkd.in/eA5ZFgBb

Today, U.S. News & World Report has released its rankings of the Best Children's Hospitals of 2024-2025. U.S. News picked its honor roll, along with top performers in specialties and different regions. Ben Harder of U.S. News says many top performers continue to fare well, year over year. "That's a really important thing for a family going into an arduous healthcare journey," he says.

Three years ago, Karen Ashley joined the Providence health system. As Providence’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, Ashley is looking to improve diversity in the system for the long haul. She talked with us about making sustainable progress in improving Providence's diversity. "We don't want it to be the flavor of the month," she says. "We don't want it to be what we're working on now. We want it to become the norm, where it just becomes ingrained into every decision, every level of the operation."

Months after announcing plans to come together, the MultiCare Health System has finalized an affiliation with the Overlake Medical Center & Clinics in Washington state. Overlake, anchored by a 349-bed hospital, becomes the flagship of MultiCare’s new “North Sound” region. William Robertson, CEO of MultiCare Health System, said the organizations "have a shared commitment to improving the health of the communities we serve."

Some hospital and healthcare workers have lost everything from the devastation from Hurricane Helene. The North Carolina Healthcare Association and the Tennessee Hospital Association, among others, have set up funds to offer hospital workers. Here's a roundup of some efforts to aid healthcare workers.

North Carolina hospitals are open and serving patients, but they are struggling in the wake of Helene's devastation. Some hospitals in western North Carolina were without running water for days. Federal officials have sent teams to assist hospitals, setting up tents to help overwhelmed emergency departments. About 300 HCA Healthcare nurses have arrived to support the staff at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

Tim Walz and J.D. Vance had their only scheduled debate Tuesday night, and the vice presidential nominees had some of their most heated exchanges on healthcare. Here's a rundown of what they said about abortion rights and the Affordable Care Act.

Western North Carolina suffered catastrophic flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Hospitals are up and running, but scores of roads are closed, limiting access, says Tatyana Kelly of the North Carolina Healthcare Association. But hospitals have power and water, she says. Healthcare workers have suffered property damage and losses, and the association has set up a fund to help hospital staff. https://lnkd.in/eaZmxmuu