> St. Louis-based SSM Health Care will acquire Unity Health Center in Shawnee, Okla., which will be renamed St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital June 30, the system announced Thursday. Once the deal is finalized, SSM will own 17 hospitals, with three in Oklahoma. Press release
> Faith-based hospital care is growing as two orders of Catholic nuns plan to open new or refurbished hospitals and health clinics in New Orleans, reported The Times-Picayune. The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System will run a new 40-bed public hospital and an 80-bed community hospital, while the Daughters of Charity will open a family-medicine clinic. Article
> Illinois hospitals are seeking public and legislative support to maintain their tax-exempt status, according to The Journal-News. Hospital officials estimate losing tax-exempt status will could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Article
> To enhance patients' access to care, Hoboken University Medical Center today launched complimentary van service to pick up residents throughout Hudson County that are scheduled for outpatient procedures at the hospital, reported the Hudson Reporter. Article
And Finally... Rabbits speed date for true love. Article