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Healthcare Facilities

All articles tagged with #healthcare facilities

finance1 year ago

Medical Properties Trust Stock Surges on Positive News

Medical Properties Trust stock surged 18.8% after announcing the sale of its interests in five Utah hospitals to a joint venture for $886 million, generating a total of $1.1 billion in cash proceeds. The company plans to use the funds to reduce debt, including payment of a $300 million Australian term loan due this year and repayment of borrowings. This move follows recent asset divestments in California and New Jersey, as well as a deal by its largest tenant, Steward Health Care, to divest its physician network. Investors are optimistic about the company's efforts to improve its financial position and the potential for long-term value.

finance1 year ago

Medical Properties Trust Stock Skyrockets on Utah Hospital Deal and Asset Sales

Medical Properties Trust stock surged nearly 19% after announcing the sale of its interests in five Utah hospitals to a joint venture for $886 million, generating around $1.1 billion in total cash proceeds. The company plans to use the funds to reduce debt, including payment of a $300 million Australian term loan and repayment of borrowings. This follows recent asset sales and positive developments with its largest tenant, Steward Health Care, indicating efforts to strengthen its balance sheet and restore business stability.

health1 year ago

"Emerging Threat: Human Infections from Avian Flu Strains in Asia"

Vietnam reports its first human infection from H9 avian flu virus, a 37-year-old man from Tien Giang province; new research highlights the health and financial impact of inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene in healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan African countries; a study shows that family practice physicians who see the largest share of patients unvaccinated against COVID-19 are more likely to practice in marginalized, lower-income neighborhoods; a systematic review and meta-analysis found that antibiotics before invasive dental procedures reduced the risk of infective endocarditis in high-risk patients; the US reports 16 more measles cases, bringing the national total to 113, and the WHO extends the polio public health emergency of international concern due to ongoing risks in critical areas.

health-public-safety1 year ago

"Rapid Spread of Drug-Resistant Superbugs Across Multiple U.S. States"

The drug-resistant fungus C. auris is spreading at an alarming rate in the U.S., including in New Jersey, with 1,668 total recorded cases since 2015 and 384 cases reported in 2023. Most cases have been recorded in Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Union, and Middlesex counties. C. auris poses a serious global health threat, particularly in healthcare facilities, and has sparked outbreaks in several states. The fungus is difficult to treat as it doesn't respond to commonly used antifungal drugs and can survive on surfaces in healthcare facilities for long periods. The CDC advises proactive measures to contain its spread, including maintaining hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting patient care environments, and screening contacts of new case patients.

health1 year ago

Understanding Candida Auris: The Deadly Fungal Outbreak in Washington and Across the US

Candida auris, a deadly fungal disease, is spreading rapidly across the US, particularly in healthcare settings, with a high fatality rate. It primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems and is often resistant to antifungal treatments. The first case was reported in 2016, and recent outbreaks have been observed in states like Washington, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. Treatment options are limited due to resistance, but prevention measures such as colonization screening, clinical specimen testing, and hand hygiene can help curb its spread.

health1 year ago

"Seattle's First Outbreak of Deadly Candida Auris Fungus"

Candida auris, a rare and deadly fungal infection, has caused concerns in the United States with recent cases reported in Washington. The infection, often resistant to antifungal medications, poses a significant threat, especially in healthcare facilities, and can lead to severe disease with a high mortality rate. Symptoms include fever, chills, and body aches, and treatment involves antifungal medications, although limited efficacy and potential for resistance development complicate therapeutic interventions. Management strategies focus on stringent infection control measures within healthcare settings to prevent its spread.

health1 year ago

"Candida Auris Outbreak: Washington State's First Encounter with Deadly Fungal Infection"

Candida auris, a deadly and drug-resistant fungal infection, is rapidly spreading in the United States, with four recent cases in Washington state. The pathogen primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems and can easily spread in healthcare facilities. The CDC and World Health Organization have labeled it as a growing threat, emphasizing the need for strict infection control measures to prevent its spread.

health1 year ago

"Seattle's First Outbreak of Treatment-Resistant C. auris Fungus: What You Need to Know"

An outbreak of drug-resistant Candida auris fungal infection has been reported in Seattle, with three confirmed cases identified in patients at Kindred Hospital Seattle. Candida auris is rare but can cause severe illness and is resistant to antifungal medications, making it easily spread in healthcare facilities. The source of the outbreak is still unknown, and efforts are being made to isolate infected patients and notify other facilities. The CDC has labeled Candida auris an urgent antimicrobial resistant threat, with 2,377 infections reported in the U.S. in 2022.

healthcare2 years ago

"Over Capacity: Strong Memorial Hospital's Emergency Department Struggles"

Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y. is currently over capacity with nearly 1,100 patients, 200 more than its licensed bed capacity, due to a shortage of nursing home beds. The hospital is working with government officials and nursing home partners to find solutions to the staffing crisis. Hospital leaders are urging the community to take proper precautions to prevent an increase in cases of flu, COVID, and RSV, and are encouraging non-critically ill individuals to use their Get Care Now website for on-demand video visits to alleviate the strain on the emergency department.

health2 years ago

"Rising Respiratory Illnesses Push New Hampshire Hospitals to Full Capacity"

New Hampshire hospitals are nearing full capacity due to a spike in respiratory illnesses, workforce shortages, and difficulties discharging patients to other healthcare facilities. Hospital officials are experiencing longer wait times in emergency departments, but are working to ensure patients receive care as quickly as possible. Despite the challenges, hospitals are fully staffed and prepared to handle the increased demand, with some implementing measures such as mandatory mask-wearing and virtual emergency room consultations.

health2 years ago

"Expert Advice: Alternatives to the ER During Busy Virus Season"

Area healthcare facilities are experiencing high numbers of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza, with the Ohio Department of Health listing influenza activity as "very high." Dr. James Kravec from Mercy Health advises that most patients can be seen in primary care offices or walk-in care facilities, rather than the emergency room, which tends to be more expensive and has longer wait times during this busy period.

health2 years ago

"Alarming Projection: India's Cancer Cases to Surge by 2040"

The number of new cancer cases in India is projected to increase from 1.4 million per year to 2 million by 2040 due to population growth and improved diagnoses. The Indian Cancer Congress highlighted the urgent need to expand infrastructure and the medical workforce to address this growing burden. While cancer incidence rates in India have not risen as rapidly as in the West, there are notable variations at the micro-level, with cervical cancer rates declining but breast, lung, and oral cancer rates increasing. The shortage of cancer experts in larger cities has been addressed, but doctors will need to relocate to smaller cities to support the growth of cancer centers.

health2 years ago

Understanding Candida Auris: Insights from Doctors at Lexington Hospital

Several cases of the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris have been reported at UK Chandler Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. The cases are isolated to one floor of the hospital, and while the fungus is present on the patients' skin, it is not causing active infections. Candida auris is known for causing outbreaks in healthcare facilities worldwide. UK HealthCare has implemented surveillance and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of the fungus. Although the infection can be dangerous for hospitalized patients, it is unlikely to affect healthy individuals in the general population. Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of seeking medical care when needed and assure the public that there is no reason to panic.