AHRQ: Severe childbirth complications on the rise in hospitals
The rate of women who experience severe complications when giving birth increased by 45% between 2006 and 2015, according to a new analysis from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
In 2006, 101 women per 10,000 hospitalizations experienced these complications, and by 2015 that figure had increased to 147 women per 10,000, AHRQ found.
There were also significant racial and ethnic disparities identified in the report—black women were three times more likely than white women to die in childbirth in 2015, and “severe maternal morbidity” was 110% more likely among black women, 40% more likely among Hispanic women and 20% more likely among Asian/Pacific Islander women when compared to white women.
Rates of severe morbidity were also highest among poor women, women over the age of 40 and those living in large urban areas. (Announcement)
Ascension cans majority of Providence Hospital’s board, email shows
Ascension Health removed nine of the 12 members of Providence Hospital’s board, an email obtained by Washington City Paper shows.
Ascension announced in July that District of Columbia-based Providence would end acute care services sometime this year. On Aug. 1, the hospital’s board sent an email to Ascension CEO Anthony Tersigni protesting the decision because they were not included.
On Aug. 30, Ascension notified the board via email that nine of its members would be removed. The message, according to Washington City Paper, says that downsizing is consistent with other markets where Ascension has ended acute care services.
“Because we understand the difficulty and pressures and local board faces when a decision is made to close a community hospital, Ascension Healthcare had made the decision to downsize and reconfigure the current Providence Hospital board of directors,” the system said. (Washington City Paper)
HCA completes purchase of Houston hospital
HCA Houston Healthcare announced that it has finalized its purchase of North Cypress Medical Center, a Houston hospital with 139 beds.
North Cypress is an “upscale” medical center that “feels like a five-star hotel,” HCA said. The acquisition allows the system to expand its reach in Houston.
“Over the coming months, we will work closely with the hospital’s medical staff, employees and the community to explore ways to enhance services and expand access to specialized healthcare throughout the area,” said Troy Villarreal, president of HCA’s Gulf Coast Division.
Jim Brown, who previously served as chief development officer for HCA’s Gulf Coast Division, will take over as the hospital’s CEO. (Announcement)