> Central DuPage Health and Delnor Health System in March merged to form one of the largest health systems in Chicago area, reports Crain's Chicago Business. The combined systems are now called Cadence Health System. Article
> The New Jersey attorney general last week approved the potential merger of St. Luke's Hospital and Health Network and Warren Hospital in Phillipsburg, N.J., rejecting arguments against the deal from Community Health Systems, owner of Easton Hospital. The deal still needs the approval of New Jersey Superior Court, reports The Morning Call. Article
> East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System entered a resolution with the Office of Civil Rights to provide sign-language and interpreter services for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced last week. Other hospitals that have faced similar deaf discrimination accusations include Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (N.H.) and Mercy Medical Center in Iowa. Press release
> With the number of drug shortages tripling since 2005, the most affected specialties are oncology, emergency medicine, anesthesia, and cardiology that could affect patient care, reports Cardiology Today. Article
> In its first successful collective bargaining contract, nurses at MountainView Hospital in Las Vegas and operator HCA, one of the largest hospital chains in the United States, agreed to increased patient care and reduced stress and fatigue of the hospital staff, according to a National Nurses United press release. The settlement could influence negotiations at other HCA hospitals in Florida, Texas, and Missouri. Press release
And Finally... Move over, Black Friday. Article