A 2018 memo, obtained via a public records request from the N.C. Attorney General’s office, says the “deck had been stacked” in favor of selling Mission Health to HCA by then-CEO Dr. Ronald A. Paulus.
Tag: Mission Health
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Local handling of COVID vaccine troubles breeds medical mistrust
Many Western North Carolina residents who spoke with Xpress say they shared their negative responses after COVID-19 vaccination with health providers. But they also say their concerns have been minimized or ignored, driving a lack of trust about the vaccines and the broader medical establishment.
Letter: Mission Health should require vaccinations
“How can we ever end this pandemic when even our health care providers remain lax and unwilling to make the hard choice to get and to require vaccinations?”
Unhealthy discourse
Wellness in brief: Lawsuit alleges Mission Health monopoly
Lawsuit alleges Mission Health monopoly Six residents of Western North Carolina filed a class-action lawsuit against HCA Healthcare and Mission Health System on Aug. 10, alleging restraint of trade and unlawful monopolization. The plaintiffs say they have paid higher health insurance premiums, copays and deductibles than have residents of surrounding areas due to Mission’s ability […]
News in brief: Buncombe Homeowner Grant Program accepting applications
Buncombe County Homeowner Grant Program accepting applications Eligible homeowners in Buncombe County can now apply for the Buncombe County Homeowner Grant Program. The new initiative, funded by the county, city of Asheville and town of Woodfin, offers up to $500 in relief tied to the increase on a homeowner’s property tax bill. Grants are available […]
From CPP: HCA takeover reframing primary care in WNC, could threaten regional hospitals
HCA Healthcare’s acquisition of Asheville-based Mission Health has driven a shakeup among physicians going to work elsewhere.
Letter: Unhappy medical encounter raises questions
“I was left quite angry and hurt, asking: Is Mission incompetent? Unkind? Greedy? All of the above?”
HCA executive cites nursing shortage as biggest concern
2020 was the year of the nurse, proclaimed Greg Lowe, the president of HCA Healthcare’s North Carolina division. But Mission’s eight hospitals are now gearing up for a major nursing shortage, he told members of Asheville’s Council of Independent Business Owners.
Wellness in brief: Brown honored as champion for kids, foundation launches online portal
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Dogwood Health Trust opened on online grant application portal. Read about these items and more in this week’s wellness roundup.
Independent monitor wants to hear community feedback, concerns
The team at Gibbins Advisors wants to hear every complaint raised about Mission Health — but they can only call noncompliance on concerns directly tied to the 15 core commitments HCA Healthcare agreed to uphold when the hospital conglomerate purchased the Mission system in 2019.
Emergency care for pint-size patients
Mission Hospital recently opened an emergency department specifically for pediatric patients in Asheville. Doctors and parents alike say the dedicated 12-unit facility can make an emergency visit less stressful and quicker for young patients.
Some local health care workers say ‘no’ or ‘not yet’ to COVID vaccine
Xpress reached out to learn about the concerns of health care workers who are choosing to avoid or delay taking the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the thoughts of those who enthusiastically or reluctantly received the shots.
Health roundup: Top hospitals, NC children’s health outcomes worsen
Three Western North Carolina hospitals were named among the best in the country in Healthgrades’ 2021 America’s Best Hospitals. The 2021 Child Health Report Card shows the state failing in several areas, including mental health, substance use, birth outcomes and housing and economic security. Plus more health and wellness news in this week’s roundup.
WNC has more job openings than unemployed workers. Why?
As of December 2020, there were 21,391 unique job postings in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties. But many of the available jobs require higher levels of education or training than those currently unemployed possess.
Antibody therapy comes to WNC COVID-19 patients
Early data suggests monoclonal antibody therapies may reduce hospitalizations in people at high risk for severe COVID-19 complications by 70%. Limited supplies are now available in Western North Carolina.
Cooper urges all K-12 schools to reopen for in-person learning
New policies from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction recommend all elementary schools open for in-person learning under Plan A, which does not require 6-foot social distancing between students and teachers. Middle and high schools are encouraged to reopen in-person under Plan B, which requires 6-foot social distancing at all times.
Slow progress marks Buncombe vaccine rollout
Of the 1,675 doses of COVID-19 vaccine Buncombe County had been allotted by North Carolina state officials through Dec. 28, the county had given just over 1,000 doses through Jan. 4. Only health care workers, first responders and long-term care facility residents will be able to receive the shot until Monday, Jan. 11.
Buncombe County prepares to start vaccinating adults 75 and older
County health officials will move into phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccination process the week of Monday, Jan. 11. But as the vaccine rollout gets underway, residents should prepare for limited availability.
White House Coronavirus Task Force issues new warnings to NC
Anyone under the age of 40 who gathered with someone outside of their household over the Christmas holiday should act as if they became infected with COVID-19, members of the national task force said. Anyone over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions should not enter any indoor setting with people who are not wearing masks.
Buncombe tightens dining restrictions as COVID-19 hospitalizations rise
Asheville residents may have hunkered down for the holidays under a blanket of snow and ice, but across the region, the COVID-19 pandemic rages on. Here’s what you may have missed over the Christmas holiday.