> Baltimore has a critical shortage of healthcare workers, with a staggering 6,000 nurse vacancies in the metro area. Story
> Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott tells PBS interviewer Charlie Rose that business will need to step up to its share of healthcare costs. Article (WSJ sub. req.)
> Politicians wrangle over a proposed new 250-bed hospital in Washington, DC to serve the depressed east side. Proponents predict an emergency care crisis if the hospital is not approved. Story
> The Tennessee Baptist Convention voted unanimously to let financially troubled Baptist Health System of Knoxville go into partnership with Triad Health. Triad will pay $220M in Baptist debt and take 80 percent ownership, but management will be 50-50. Article
> The drugstore clinic phenomenon expands, as Redi-Clinic moves into 16 Walgreens stores in Atlanta. Story
> Medicare had a pretty good rep among beneficiaries until Part D gave it a black eye with many because of the cumbersome and confusing sign-up procedure and coverage gaps. Article
> Blue Care Network of Michigan, the HMO of Michigan Blue Cross Blue Shield, has designated six centers of excellence for bariatric surgery and 61 for treatment of low back pain. Release
And Finally... A "lactivist" in Milwaukee makes an articulate case about the role of medical professionals in encouraging (or discouraging) successful breastfeeding, and urges expectant parents to make sure their doctors and hospitals are as committed as they are. Opinion