> After restructuring plans, New York's Peninsula Hospital is laying off 50 workers, reports the New York Daily News. Meanwhile, layoffs at Westchester Medical Center are "inevitable," thanks to health reform changes and shrinking Medicaid reimbursements, reports The Journal News. More than 540 positions at Summit Park Hospital and Nursing Care Center will disappear under a proposed budget for Rockland county, according to another Journal News article. However, managers will be spared.
> At least 32 patients have had their data stolen from Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, with nine having fraudulent tax returns filed in their names, reports WSBTV. Emory notified 7,300 patients about the data breach last month. Article
> As the weather gets colder, hospitals may find themselves empty--of workers, not patients. That's because one-third of healthcare employers say workers call in sick more often during the winter holiday season. Hospital workers beware; 30 percent of healthcare employers have checked up on an employee, and 17 percent have fired someone for playing hooky. Press release
> Aiming to deter the rising violence in U.S. hospitals, Michigan recently passed legislation in the Senate, raising the act of assaulting a healthcare worker to a felony charge. Press release
> As the controversial merger between University Hospital and Catholic continues, University Hospital has slightly changed its tune, reports The Courier-Journal. Instead of saying it will "adhere to" or "honor" Catholic directives, officials now say University Hospital "will not be required to follow" the directives but will agree by contract not to perform certain procedures. Article
And Finally... Hospital names room after Poison singer Bret Michaels. Article