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Editor's Picks
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WHO moves one step closer to declaring swine flu a pandemic
As the number of confirmed cases of a deadly new strain of the flu continues to rise, the World Health Organization raised its global alert to phase 4. The change recognizes that the new A/H1N1 virus, nicknamed the "swine flu," spreads from person to person, and signals that governments should prepare for outbreaks. In addition to cases in the U.S. and Mexico, two people admitted to a Scottish hospital were confirmed with the disease after returning from Mexico. Spain has one confirmed case, and there are six in Canada. Many experts say hospitals across the country should prepare for the threat now. [Read More]
South Korea allows marketing to foreign patients
As part of South Korea's efforts to become Asia's main medical tourism attraction, the country's hospitals will be allowed directly to seek foreign patients beginning May 1. South Korean hospitals are currently barred from directly advertising for patients or accepting them through dedicated referral services. But the new Global Healthcare Business Centre, which is controlled by the South Korea health ministry, is forming a network of hospitals and travel agencies, which will be officially allowed to seek patients abroad under a law which takes effect on Friday. Lee Young Ho, a marketing director of the Global Healthcare Business Centre, forecast that about 50,000 foreigners would visit South Korea for treatment this year, compared to 27,480 in 2008. [Read More]
London facilities in chaos as IT system loses waiting lists
Thousands of patients' details have been discovered on "lost" waiting lists at hospitals in London as they struggle with a new computer system installed as part of the government's overhaul of National Health System IT, according to an investigation by The Guardian. The discovery has led many healthcare facilities into a crisis which has already cost tens of millions of pounds in lost revenues and mounting bills for remedial work. It has also reduced the number of patients treated by hospitals, and forced the trusts to draft IT troubleshooters in attempts to fix the problem, according to the article. [Read More]
Group uses foreign doctors in ads decrying government-run care
The group Conservatives for Patients' Rights will begin a $1 million television advertising campaign that warns the U.S. Congress not to enact a government-run healthcare plan similar to those in other countries. In the ads, British and Canadian doctors say the healthcare plans in their countries reduce choices and that patients have died while awaiting care. "These ads will show the serious consequences of a government takeover of healthcare," Rick Scott, the chairman of the conservative group and the former head of the hospital operator HCA Inc., told the Wall Street Journal. [Read More]
TLT Call For Entries: Time is Running Out
As we celebrate the fifth year of the Top Leadership Teams in Healthcare program, we are once again looking for the next story of great leadership. Last year, we opened up the competition to include a "Global Hospitals" category, with Bangkok Hospital Medical Center in Thailand named the winner. If you think your organization has an outstanding teamwork story to share, submit your entry to HealthLeaders Media today. But you better hurry: The deadline for submissions is April 30.
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Global Health Headlines
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Healthcare tourism, now covered by insurance?
Los Angeles Times - April 28, 2009
Africa, India satellite links set to expand
Monitor Online - April 28, 2009
Evidence-Based Hospital Design Improves Patient Safety
Tami Swartz, for HealthLeaders Media - April 28, 2009
Panel to establish plan for global healthcare
Boston Globe - April 22, 2009
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From HealthLeaders Magazine |
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Jump . . . or Get Pushed
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The tough decisions you don't want to make now—but may have to. [Read More] |
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Service Line Management |
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Redefining Cardio
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The cardiovascular service line remains a dependable revenue generator for many hospitals across the country. But a shifting market full of new options for patients means organizations must find ways to differentiate themselves to keep it that way. [Read More] |
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Audio Feature
Finance Leaders Survey: John Winfrey, CFO at DCH Health System in Tuscaloosa, AL, offers insights on the HealthLeaders Media Industry Survey 2009, discussing the top drivers of healthcare costs and the financial implications of possible healthcare reform plans. [Listen Now]
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