> Despite fears that care drops off on Saturdays and Sundays, new research finds that care at hospitals designated as stroke centers is no worse during the weekends, reports Reuters. Article
> Moving into the payer space, Steward Health Care System, along with Tufts Health Plan, today announced Steward Community Choice, a community insurance option they say will curb costs for small business, reports The Boston Globe. Article
> In addition to cutting 110 jobs, Exeter Hospital in New Hampshire is closing a skilled nursing facility, reports ExeterPatch. Exeter is the fifth hospital in the state to announce staff cuts due to reduced reimbursements. Article
> After announcing it was outsourcing food services last month, Danbury (Conn.) Hospital is laying off 129 food service workers by October, reports the Danbury News-Times. The private Morrison Management Specialists will operate the hospital's kitchen, cafeteria, and coffee shop. Article
> A man posing as a physician pleaded guilty to defrauding insurers and patients in Atlanta and Nashville of more than $1 million, reports The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Article
> In addition to associated health risks, obesity is taking a toll on costs, in which hospitals are prompted to buy new equipment and adopt protocols to accommodate larger patients, reports Minnesota Public Radio. Report
And Finally... Orangutan tries to kick the smoking habit. Article