Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Exeter Hospital Files Suit To Recover Settlements In Hep C Outbreak Case
The Associated Press: Hospital Sues Health Agency Over Hepatitis C Outbreak
Exeter Hospital has filed another lawsuit in hopes of getting others to pay for settlements it reached after a traveling medical technician infected patients with hepatitis C. David Kwiatkowski is serving 39 years in prison for stealing painkillers and replacing them with saline-filled syringes tainted with his blood. Despite being fired numerous times over drug allegations, he had worked as a cardiac technologist in seven states before being hired in New Hampshire in 2011. Since his arrest in 2012, 46 people in four states have been diagnosed with the same strain of the hepatitis C virus he carries. (5/21)
The Texas Tribune: High Court Rules For Hospital In Missing Heart Case
A Houston-area widow cannot recover damages from a Texas hospital where her husband died under unusual circumstances because his autopsy — the widow's only realistic hope of determining why he died — falls under a sweeping law that protects health care providers from malpractice lawsuits, the Texas Supreme Court has ruled. (Walters, 5/20)
The Boston Globe: Salem Hospital To End Heart Surgeries
Partners HealthCare plans to stop heart surgeries at its community hospital in Salem this summer and send patients instead to Massachusetts General, saying there aren’t enough cardiac patients to justify keeping the unit open. (Dayal McCluskey, 5/23)
The Mississippi Press: Singing River Health System Demonstrates Surgical Robot
On May 9 at Singing River Health System, the hospital gave onlookers a demonstration of the Da Vinci robotic surgical system, showing how the evolution of technology can lead to advancements within the medical field. Urologist Dr. David L. Spencer of South Mississippi Urology pointed out the capabilities of the surgical system. (Carter, 5/23)
New Hampshire Union Leader: Elliot CEO Leaving In July
Elliot Health System CEO Jim Woodward is leaving his post in mid-July, the move coming at a time when officials are weighing Elliot Hospital’s future. Woodward is taking a job as CEO of a Pennsylvania hospital closer to family, a statement from Elliot confirmed Thursday. (5/19)
