Used to be, marketers had only a few basic questions to ask and answer. But the questions are radically changing these days: How effective are your marketing efforts? How can you measure that effectiveness? What's the ROI for direct mail and other elements within the marketing budget? Where can you trim costs to improve the bottom line without compromising your effectiveness?
After years of planning and months of public debate, Sacramento County has tapped Kaiser Permanente to open the region's next trauma center. Kaiser beat out Methodist Hospital of Sacramento, which had fought vigorously to win the trauma center nod. County officials have said that population growth requires the new trauma center by 2010, but Kaiser has announced it will open its center in 2008.
The planned consolidation of Froedtert & Community Health with Columbia St. Mary's in Wisconsin would be the largest of its type since hospitals began forming healthcare systems more than two decades ago. The move will bring its share of challenges, but the two healthcare systems say religion will be a manageable one.
Fourteen medical centers nationwide have been selected to participate in the newly created NFL Player Care Foundation, which will provide access to world-class medical technology and financial assistance to vested players who need it. The program will be funded by the NFL Alliance.
Chemicals used to keep hospitals clean and to treat patients could be harmful to nurses who are exposed to them in their daily duties, according to a study released by the Environmental Working Group and Health Care Without Harm. The chemicals could have long-term effects on nurses' health and the health of their children, according to the research.
The Pennsylvania Senate has voted to extend a malpractice insurance subsidy for doctors and hospitals through 2008, but has rejected an effort to divert a surplus from a malpractice reserve fund to pay for adult health insurance.