Hospitals see fewer pressure ulcers with evidence-based care; Number of anesthesia deaths climbing worldwide;

> Despite some provider and patient opposition to evidence-based care, hospitals in California have found it successful. The data-driven approach, which quickly identified patients who might be at risk of developing pressure ulcers, led to fewer incidences of pressure ulcers among patients at hospitals across the state, according to the California Hospital Association. Press release

> Under a proposed budget, funding would end for Summit Park Hospital in New York--including the nursing home, acute-care unit, and mental health care clinic--and result in 453 lost jobs, reports The Journal News. Article

> The number of anesthesia deaths is climbing worldwide, affecting seven patients per million, up from four patients per million at the end of the 1980s, according to an article published in the German Medical Association's official international science journal. Between 1990 and 2002, 5,691 medical malpractice payments were made in the United States, with an average payout of $338,190 per claim. Press release

> Even though Massachusetts is experiencing severe shortages in eight of 18 specialties, its hospitals are actively recruiting specialists to their work force, reports South Coast Today. Article

> Don't just concentrate on electronic data breaches, as Peninsula Health System had 1,500 medical records stolen by a former mailroom worker, reports the San Mateo Daily Journal. The medical documents, X-rays, and registration information intended for physician offices included patient names and diagnostic test results. Article

And Finally... Joplin tornado hero gets $2.5M in hospital bills. Article