The Lund Report

Image

A critical care nurse at OHSU receives a vaccine during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. | COURTESY OHSU

Oregon performs better in health equity, but disparities remain

A new national state scorecard confirms dramatic inequities, finds regional variations

Apr 23, 2024
Premium

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

Anesthesiologist sues Salem surgery center for $1.6 million

A dispute with nursing staff led to a doctor’s firing by Optum-owned Northbank Surgical Center; he says it was for whistleblowing

Apr 23, 2024
Premium

Image

COURTESY OF OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY

‘Tough choices’ ahead as OHSU struggles to curb surprise losses

Layoffs are possible, but university executives say they hope to avoid or minimize them by focusing on profitable complex surgeries

Apr 18, 2024
Premium

Image

Members of Oregon's Universal Health Plan Governance Board meet for the first time in Salem on April 16, 2024. From left, Dr. Helen Bellanca, the board's chair; Dr. Bruce Goldberg, a veteran public health official; Debra Diaz, a physicians associate; Warren George, a retired businessman and the board's vice-chair. | JAKE THOMAS

Ambitious Oregon universal health board launches amid questions

After Gov. Kotek raised questions over its justification, appointed board will try to forge clear, specific answers to how the state could succeed where others have not

Apr 18, 2024
Premium

Image

Legacy Health Good Samaritan Medical Center in Northwest Portland, Ore., on July 30, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Legacy Health CEO Kathryn Correia announces retirement

The outgoing head of the beleaguered Portland-based hospital system cites stress, medical needs and a suggestion from a ‘friend.’ Dr. George Brown, her predecessor, will replace her as the system mulls a merger with OHSU.

Apr 17, 2024
Premium

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

State: New and expecting parents with chickens should consider infection risks

A new Oregon study highlights a case investigated with Crook County in which the baby was born 150 miles away from the chickens that infected it — but had to be readmitted due to a serious Salmonella infection just days later

Apr 16, 2024

Image

FREESTOCKS/UNSPLASH

Kroger-Albertsons deal puts Oregon’s health care merger program to the test

In a state where retail pharmacies have been disappearing fast, merger of pharmacy operators could hurt Oregonians' access. The state has scheduled a public hearing for comment.

Apr 16, 2024
Premium

Image

PeaceHealth, Vancouver - Medical Center Physician's Building. | COURTESY PEACEHEALTH

Vancouver nurses eye Oregon’s new hospital staffing law

Across the Columbia River, nurses at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center want Oregon-style staff levels in their union contract. They plan to picket outside their hospital on Thursday.

Apr 16, 2024
Premium

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

Nurses union sees snag with hospital staffing law about to take effect

After pushing for the new nurse-to-patient ratios, the union is concerned by the state's proposed rules dictating how they’ll play out in emergency departments

Apr 11, 2024
Premium

Image

Partners in Care, Inc is a nonprofit hospice provider that runs the only inpatient facility of its kind in Oregon east of the Cascades.

Central Oregon hospice sues feds over challenged Medicare claims

One of a declining number of nonprofit hospice providers, Partners In Care leaders have successfully defended the vast majority of disputed claims. Now they've sued to erase the rest while challenging government methods, in a case that could have 'huge ramifications.'

Apr 11, 2024
Premium