A San Franciso paramedic is complaining about "frequent fliers" in the city. The term is used by public health officials all over the country for someone who routinely uses ambulance and ER services. Critics say these "frequent fliers" stress the system, healthcare providers and the financial well-being of municipalities.
Helen and Harry Gray have made a $1 million gift toward Hartford (CT) Hospital's cancer treatment center. Hartford Hospital will name the facility for the Grays, longtime hospital donors and well known Hartford-area philanthropists. The $3.4 million Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center-Avon is currently unders construction, and is expected to open in July 2008.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is expected to announce the launch of a major effort to tackle healthcare problems in the state, such as soaring costs and elusive quality goals, through a coordinated approach across state government.
In an attempt to prevent a reduction in Medicare payments to physicians that is scheduled to hit Jan. 1, senators have been working on a pared-down plan to send to President Bush. To attract Republican support and avert a veto, the $6 billion package would be funded with relatively uncontroversial Medicare cuts.
The American Cancer Society is has reported 12 million new cases of malignancy diagnosed worldwide in 2007, with 7.6 million people dying from the disease. The report, Global Cancer Facts & Figures, finds that 5.4 million of those cancers and 2.9 million deaths are in more affluent, developed nations.
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire has proposed tougher policing of healthcare professionals and more transparency of hospitals' patient safety records. Gregoire said patient safety is "the next logical step on the road to reform."