> Public hospital Evergreen Healthcare based in Washington and nonprofit Virginia Mason Medical Center this week finalized a strategic partnership deal, The Seattle Times reported. The two organizations plan on collaborating and integrating services, starting with cardiac care and home and hospice care, but they won't combine finances or management. Article
> The use of nocturnists and night-time rounds aim to prevent adverse events in the wee hours of the night, according to a Hospitals & Health Networks column. For example, the neurosurgery unit at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has mandatory 1:30 a.m. talks between the duty intern and the charge nurse, which have significantly reduced near misses. Column
> Economists debate whether Massachusetts is leading the way in curbing healthcare costs in a WBUR article on Kaiser Health News. For instance, Stuart Altman of Brandeis University said that although healthcare costs have lowered, "we don't know yet if they will have a lasting effect." Article
> High Point (N.C.) Regional Health System is looking for a strategic partner, with the process expected to take six months to a year, The Business Journal reported. The hospital president said a strategic capital partner will help support its clinically integrated services. Article
> Expanding on its existing resource-sharing agreement, Kentucky's Norton Healthcare and Carroll County Memorial Hospital this week announced they will affiliate, the Madison Courier reported. Carroll County Memorial Hospital plans on expanding its gynecological department and skilled nursing and rehabilitation program. Article
And Finally... Nigerian scammers get scammed themselves. Article