Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District, El Centro Regional Medical Center explore collaboration; Reliance on Medicaid reimbursement may contribute to adverse medical events;

> Despite a history of hospital rivalry, governing boards of California's Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District and El Centro Regional Medical Center have begun to discuss collaborative efforts, reported the Imperial Valley Press. The two hospitals hope collaboration will help them overcome state and federal healthcare changes. Article

> A study in this month's Health Services Research journal found that better work relationships between staff, as measured by staff cohesion, are associated with better outcomes for nursing home residents. Announcement

> Healthcare workers who have been on night duty have an increased risk of accidents driving home, French researchers have found. Statement

> Hospitals that rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements experience more adverse medical events for hospitalized children, concluded a study published in the journal Health Services Research. Study abstract

> A federal investigation into the death of an elderly patient from a bacterial infection has prompted patient care improvements at Dorn VA Medical Center in South Carolina, the McClatchy-Tribune News Service reported. Article

And Finally… Sleepy people love junk food. Article