Latest news with #healthcareprofessionals
CBC
a day ago
- General
- CBC
Kelowna General Hospital doctors warn of 'collapse' of primary maternity care coverage
Doctors in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) are warning that the maternity ward is on the verge of collapse amid a shortage of family physicians. A joint statement from all nine members of the department issued Thursday said that "without immediate action from health authorities and government decision-makers, the safety of patients and newborns is at serious risk." "Due to a critical shortage of family physicians willing or able to provide this care— worsened by a failure to recruit replacements—our hospital is facing a collapse of its primary maternity care coverage as early as June 1, 2025. "This means that many pregnant patients may arrive at the hospital in labour with no doctor available to provide safe, continuous care during delivery." The doctors said their concerns about staffing and support have gone largely unanswered and they're demanding immediate action from Interior Health. The doctor representing the group declined an interview request from CBC News. Dr. Hussam Azzam, executive medical director for Interior Health South, acknowledged the physicians' concerns, saying KGH leadership is in regular contact with with the ob-gyns to address a complex issue with "multiple pillars to it that we need to address." "We are open to listen and we're open to work with them collaboratively to meet their needs and to deliver the best quality care that they've trained to do," Azzam said. Dr. Charlene Lui, president of the professional association Doctors of B.C., said family doctors often handle low-risk patients with obstetricians focused on cases that are high risk and more complex. "When we have fewer low-risk maternity providers that are family physicians, then that puts additional pressure on our obstetricians to sometimes need to be in several places at the same time when an emergency arises," Lui said. The statement followed last week's announcement of an extended closure of the pediatric unit at KGH. The health authority said it temporarily closed the pediatric care unit at the hospital to address scheduling gaps due to limited physician availability. "We are very alarmed to hear that the issues at Kelowna General continue to escalate without solutions from the health authority," Lui said Friday. KGH is a regional referral centre with over 1,800 deliveries each year and a Tier 4 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) caring for babies born at 30 weeks gestation or later, according to the doctors' letter. Dr. Jeff Eppler, an emergency department physician at KGH, told CBC News on Friday that he was heading into a weekend shift amid staff shortages, including no pediatricians and a limited number of ob-gyns. "Our staff is burning out. All of these service disruptions just make the job so much harder for all of us in the emergency department," Eppler said. "And even though we are all starting to burn out, we are going to have to pick up extra shifts this summer to make up for all the shortcomings in the system." In a statement, B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne said parents can be assured that all of the hospital's critical care services for children remain open, including the emergency department and NICU. Gavin Dew, the B.C. Conservative MLA for Kelowna-Mission, described the situation at the hospital as a "crisis of government neglect." "We have multiple departments of the hospital who clearly feel as if they are not being heard by the folks who should be listening to them and are resorting to making public the crisis-level conditions at the hospital," Dew said. The hospital ob-gyns said they have warned administrators of the risks, and have tried to offer solutions. "We have submitted multiple letters, proposals, and formal communications urging action," reads the statement. "Our concerns have gone largely unanswered." They are calling on Interior Health and B.C.'s health ministry to create a contingency plan to ensure patients are cared for and to support the transfer of maternity patients if care can't be provided locally. Osborne acknowledged the hard work of pediatricians at KGH, saying they have been dealing with staffing shortages and are "understandably experiencing burnout." She went on to say the province's efforts to recruit health-care workers are starting to pay off. Two new pediatricians have accepted offers to work at KGH, she said, with the first set to arrive in July.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Blue Sky Scrubs Launches Neon Scrub Cap Collection: Bolder, Brighter, and Unapologetically Stylish
Blue Sky Scrubs, a leader in medical apparel, is thrilled to announce the launch of its most eye-catching product line to date: the Neon Scrub Cap Collection. Austin, Texas, United States, May 30, 2025 -- Blue Sky Scrubs, a leader in high-quality medical apparel since 2005, is thrilled to announce the launch of its most eye-catching product line to date: the Neon Scrub Cap Collection. This electrifying new series of scrub caps combines the brand's signature fit, comfort, and durability with bold, vivid colors designed to make a statement in any medical environment. Since its founding, Blue Sky Scrubs has remained committed to creating stylish, functional medical apparel that empowers healthcare professionals to express their personality and professionalism. The Neon Scrub Cap Collection is a vibrant continuation of that mission. Designed for those who dare to stand out, this collection is tailored for doctors, nurses, and medical staff who bring energy and optimism to their work every single day. A Bright Idea for Healthcare Professionals The Neon Scrub Cap Collection is the latest innovation from a brand known for revolutionizing the scrub market. Each cap is made from lightweight, breathable fabrics that maintain comfort through long shifts, and they feature a polished fit that stays in place all day. The collection is available in a range of eye-popping neon hues including Electric Lime, Vivid Coral, Neon Orchid, and Bright Aqua. 'We wanted to create something bold and energizing,' said [Spokesperson Name], [Title] at Blue Sky Scrubs. 'Our customers are vibrant individuals who bring light and life into their workplaces. The Neon Scrub Cap Collection reflects that energy in a way that hasn't been done before.' Built for Comfort, Designed to Shine What sets the Neon Scrub Caps apart isn't just their color—it's the premium construction and thoughtful design behind every stitch. Blue Sky Scrubs uses ultra-soft, high-performance fabrics that are moisture-wicking, fade-resistant, and easy to care for. These caps are engineered to maintain their structure and brightness even after countless washes, making them a reliable staple in any medical wardrobe. The caps are available in multiple styles, including: Every style ensures a secure fit without discomfort, helping professionals focus on what matters most: patient care. Expressing Identity in the Workplace In an industry that often demands uniformity, Blue Sky Scrubs understands the importance of self-expression. The Neon Scrub Cap Collection encourages medical professionals to embrace their individuality and brighten their workday—literally. 'Healthcare workers spend long hours doing some of the most important work in our society. They deserve to feel confident and comfortable,' said [Spokesperson Name]. 'With these new caps, they can walk into the hospital or clinic with a little more color, a little more fun, and a lot more confidence.' The Legacy of Blue Sky Scrubs Founded in Austin, Texas, in 2005, Blue Sky Scrubs began with a single mission: to reimagine medical apparel. Since then, the brand has grown into a trusted name among healthcare professionals across the country, known for its unmatched quality, customer service, and style-forward approach to scrubs. From their iconic scrub sets to custom-embroidered pieces, Blue Sky has built a loyal following of medical professionals who refuse to compromise on comfort or style. The launch of the Neon Scrub Cap Collection continues this legacy, reinforcing the brand's dedication to innovation, performance, and individuality. Available Now at The Neon Scrub Cap Collection is available exclusively at Customers can explore the full range of styles and colors, with sizes and options tailored for every healthcare role. As always, Blue Sky offers convenient online shopping, quick shipping, and a customer-first satisfaction guarantee. Customer Reactions Early feedback from the medical community has been overwhelmingly positive. 'I love how these caps pop! They really brighten up my day and my scrubs,' said Jessica M., an ER nurse in Houston. 'I've already had patients and coworkers comment on how fun they look. It makes a difference.' With reviews like that, it's clear the Neon Scrub Cap Collection is set to become a favorite among healthcare workers who want more from their uniforms. Video : Join the Movement To celebrate the launch, Blue Sky Scrubs will be hosting a social media campaign encouraging customers to share their neon looks using the hashtag #NeonWithBlueSky. Participants will be entered into weekly giveaways for free products, exclusive discounts, and other fun prizes. The campaign aims to build community and celebrate the hardworking individuals who bring compassion and care to every patient interaction. About Blue Sky Scrubs Blue Sky Scrubs is an Austin-based medical apparel company founded in 2005 with a vision to reinvent scrubs. Known for exceptional quality, superior comfort, and modern design, Blue Sky Scrubs continues to push the boundaries of what medical uniforms can be. From head to toe, Blue Sky offers healthcare professionals the gear they need to look and feel their best on the job. Contact Info: Name: Azu Aguilera Email: Send Email Organization: Blue Sky Scrubs Phone: 18883025837 Website: Release ID: 89161326 In the event of encountering any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release, we kindly request that you immediately contact us at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your feedback within 8 hours and take appropriate measures to rectify any identified issues or facilitate press release takedowns. Ensuring accuracy and reliability are central to our commitment.
Arab News
3 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Medical specialists in Makkah save Egyptian pilgrim from losing eyesight
MAKKAH: Quick and precise intervention by a medical team at the Eye Health Center of King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah saved the sight of an Egyptian pilgrim who experienced sudden vision loss, Saudi health authorities announced on Thursday. A series of examinations revealed that the patient was suffering from retinal detachment accompanied by cataracts, an emergency eye condition that can result in permanent vision loss if not treated promptly, said a Makkah Health Cluster statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency. After a one-day surgery, the patient was discharged in stable condition and was able to continue with her Hajj rituals safely and with comfort. "She is now receiving close medical follow-up to ensure retinal stability and gradual improvement in her vision," the health cluster said. Each year, Saudi Arabia deploys around 50,000 healthcare and technical professionals to work 24 hours daily during Hajj to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims. Last year, the Ministry of Health said more than 142,000 pilgrims benefited from various healthcare services provided by health centers and hospitals. Of the number, 4,082 were admissions to hospitals and medical centers, out of which 24 open-heart surgeries, 249 cardiac catheterizations, and 1,006 dialysis sessions were rendered.
Medical News Today
4 days ago
- Business
- Medical News Today
HIPAA rights: What they are, who they apply to, and more
What are they? Who must follow them? Who does not? FAQ Summary The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patient health information and provides individuals with rights to control the use and disclosure of their health information. The United States enacted HIPAA in 1996. HIPAA applies to organizations, healthcare professionals, and insurers who handle patient data. This article looks at HIPAA rights, who must follow HIPAA regulations, and which information HIPAA protects. FreshSplash/Getty Images HIPAA rights are federal laws that protect a person's privacy and security in relation to their health information. The Right to Access allows people to access their protected health information (PHI). Healthcare professionals must provide individuals access to their PHI within 30 days of requesting it. People can also request an electronic or hard copy of the information. The Right to Access includes all health-related information, except information that a healthcare professional collects for legal purposes or psychotherapy notes. An individual can request a change to their PHI if they believe their health information is incomplete or inaccurate. The covered entity must respond to the request for amendment within 60 days of receiving the request. A covered entity refers to a healthcare professional or organization that handles patient data and is required to follow HIPAA regulations. An individual has the Right to Request Restrictions on the use and disclosure of their PHI. This includes: disclosure to people involved in an individual's healthcare or billing disclosure to notify others, such as family members, of a person's condition, location, or death If covered entities agree to the request, they must follow the restrictions, except when treating someone in a medical emergency. Covered entities have no obligation to agree to restriction requests. They have a right to request an alternative method of communication to the one that the covered entity may typically use. People can also request a certain address for receiving communication. Accounting of Disclosures is a record detailing why and when a covered entity disclosed a person's PHI, which people have a right to access. Covered entities do not need to account for disclosures for healthcare operations, treatment, or payment. Covered entities must keep accounting of disclosure records for six years. A covered entity must receive written authorization from the individual to use or disclose any PHI that is not for healthca re operations, treatment, or payment purposes. An individual has the right to revoke their authorization of the use or disclosure of their PHI at any time. People must make the request in writing, which becomes effective once the covered entity receives it. The HIPAA Privacy Rule requires covered entities to provide a Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) and abide by the terms. These terms include: how the covered entity may use or disclose a person's PHI the duties of the covered entity to protect the privacy of the individual, and a description of their rights stating the right a person has to complain to the covered entity and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) if they believe there has been a violation of their privacy rights providing a point of contact for making complaints or requesting further information The following covered entities must follow HIPAA regulations: Health plans: This includes health insurance companies, company health plans, and government healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. This includes health insurance companies, company health plans, and government healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Healthcare providers: This describes providers who carry out electronic transactions, such as sending a health bill electronically. This includes most providers such as hospitals, clinics, healthcare professionals, pharmacies, and nursing homes. This describes providers who carry out electronic transactions, such as sending a health bill electronically. This includes most providers such as hospitals, clinics, healthcare professionals, pharmacies, and nursing homes. Healthcare clearinghouses: A healthcare clearinghouse is a third-party organization that processes data between entities, such as between healthcare providers and insurance companies. A healthcare clearinghouse is a third-party organization that processes data between entities, such as between healthcare providers and insurance companies. Business associates: Business associates of covered entities must also follow HIPAA regulations. Business associates are people or companies outside of the covered entity who may need to access PHI, such as lawyers, IT specialists, or billing companies. In many cases, the following organizations do not have to follow HIPAA regulations: employers schools and school districts law enforcement agencies state agencies, such as child protective services municipal offices life insurers workers compensation carriers The following information is protected under HIPAA regulations: information in a person's medical record from healthcare professionals conversations between healthcare professionals about a person's healthcare and treatment, such as between a doctor and a nurse personal information stored in a health insurer's computer system a person's billing information at a clinic most health information that a covered entity holds about an individual Under HIPAA regulations, health information is protected in the following ways: safeguards that covered entities and business associates must put in place to protect PHI and prevent improper use or disclosure of PHI covered entities must only use, disclose, or request the 'minimum necessary' information to meet the intended purpose procedures that covered entities must put in place to limit who is able to access health information covered entities must carry out training programs for employees on protecting health information Under HIPAA regulations, health information can be looked at and received for the following reasons: coordinating a person's treatment and care healthcare payments other people involved in a person's healthcare or billing, unless the person objectsensuring cleanliness, safety, and proper care in healthcare facilities public health protection, such as reporting local flu outbreaks necessary police reports, such as gunshot wounds However, an individual's health information cannot be used or shared without their written permission unless this law allows it. For example, without authorization from the individual, a provider generally cannot: give an individual's information to their employer use or share their information for marketing or advertising purposes sell their information HIPAA rights help protect the privacy and use of an individual's health information. Examples of HIPAA rights include the Right to Access, the Right to Request Amendments, and the Right to Request Restrictions. Certain covered entities must comply with HIPAA rights, such as health plans, providers, and clearinghouses. People may want to contact a healthcare professional or the HHS for more information about HIPAA rights. Health Insurance / Medical Insurance Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals
ABC News
5 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Cancer surgeries are getting delayed at Orange Hospital to hit waitlist targets, doctor claims
Inside one of NSW's largest regional hospitals doctors allege there are patient care breaches that contravene NSW health policy. Those alleged breaches include downgrading the urgency of cancer patients and delaying their surgery without clinical justification. Doctors say hospital management is to blame and also accuse them of not bringing on an extra breast cancer surgeon because it would create more demand. Doctor Rob Knox is a general surgeon and the current director of the surgical department at Orange Hospital. He first suspected something was not right in early 2024 as he prepared to operate on some of his cancer patients. While checking patient notes he saw that the urgency of their operations had been changed from the highest to the lowest priority. "When I've rocked up on the day I've seen a different category against these patients' names," Dr Knox told 7.30. "So I've questioned [hospital] management and said, 'Well hang on, what's happened here'?" He had allocated his cancer patients a Category One surgery, which meant their operations must be done within 30 days. He says those surgeries had been changed to Category Four, which means the patients were "not ready for care". "When directly challenging senior management they've dug in their heels and they've said, 'Actually no, we're allowed to do this,'" Dr Knox said. The encounter prompted Dr Knox to start keeping records of discrepancies and he asked his fellow surgeons to do the same. "We started documenting these issues and challenging management and, unfortunately, rather than advocate for patient care, decisions were taken and responses given that seem to be more protective of the system than of the patients we're supposed to be serving," he said. Since then the surgeons say they have fielded numerous requests from hospital management to change the patients' clinical urgency status, so they don't "breach" their recommended waiting time. In some instances operations have been reclassified without the doctors' approval. 7.30 has seen emails sent to doctors at Orange Hospital, which include requests to suspend an operation and to make a patient "not ready for care". Another surgeon was contacted to seek approval to extend a patient's 30-day wait to 90 days due to a lack of theatre space. Dr Knox says the re-categorisations contravene NSW Health policy. "The policy is quite clear that it should not be influenced by the availability of hospital resources or even the surgeon's availability." The NSW Health policy lists five options that must be considered by hospitals to avoid breaching waiting times. These include providing additional theatre time or referring a patient to another doctor. "Postponements or delays to surgery must be avoided and only occur when all alternative options are exhausted," the policy states. In an email to a senior manager in February 2024, Dr Knox challenged the hospital's actions. "Whilst we don't really make a noise if non-cancer cases breach their clinical urgency by a few days, we should and do for cancers," he wrote. He says health data shows a four-week delay in surgery can result in a five per cent increased mortality rate. "It's very hard to say that a delay of one to two to five days makes a difference, but undoubtedly on a broader level it does, and to one individual, it is going to make a difference." The Orange Health Service declined 7.30's request for an interview but in a statement a spokesperson for the Western NSW Local Health District (LHD) said it "rejects claims that surgeons have been asked to reclassify surgical procedures and prioritise waiting list targets over patient care". "The five options described in NSW Health policy to assist in managing patients within the required time-frames are activated where possible but may be affected by … the availability of surgical and other staff, appropriate theatre facilities," the spokesperson said. The LHD said the number of patients waiting longer for a planned surgery than clinically recommended did not "constitute a wait time blow out". NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said he had been assured by the hospital that it was complying with the guidelines. "I want to be clear that shouldn't be happening, that's against clinical guidelines. We have a framework in place," Mr Park told 7.30. "My advice is that that hospital and the staff have been following that. "If there are issues where that has not been the case, then I'd want them investigated. "What we expect is patients' clinical care to be first, second and third KPI. That's what I expect as the health minister." One patient who faced an anxious wait is Katrina Reiss. The young mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2024 and underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy before being booked in for surgery last December. She had worked in the hospital's surgery admissions office for 19 years, before leaving in 2021. She knew she could expect her surgery date within days of handing in her form. Her fears escalated when she did not have a date more than a week later. "I knew that it wasn't exactly the way that it was supposed to go," Ms Reiss told 7.30. "I was starting to get concerned, because we were coming up to the Christmas closure time as well. "I was really worried that I wasn't going to be getting my surgery within the 30-day period. "I knew the policy so well, and I knew how the system should have worked. I was able to advocate for myself, and I was confident enough to be able to go to my surgeon and say, 'this isn't right, can you help me?' Ms Reiss had her surgery within the 30-day time-frame last December and is now cancer free. But it is this lead up to Christmas which is when surgeons are under the greatest pressure. "There's a lot more cancer diagnosis that happens at that time," urological surgeon Dr Clair Whelan said. "People put off their diagnosis, something they've been ignoring a lump, bleeding, and then by the time they get to December they finally decide to go to their GP and get that thing sorted. "Those are the times when we're most stretched to be able to get cases done in theatre and to be asked to re-classify patients according to urgency." Dr Whelan was director of surgery before Dr Knox and shares his concerns about how waiting lists are being managed. She says while she has never had patients re-categorised without her approval, any requests she does receive put her in an impossible position. "Sometimes it becomes really difficult, particularly when we are talking about those cancer patients, to say, 'well, I can't pick that one of these cancers is going to be more urgent,' because sometimes we don't know that until after the [surgery]," she said. Dr Whelan said some patients have taken the matter into their own hands. "We certainly had examples of patients towards the end of last year who removed themselves from the public hospital waiting list, and what the hospital sees is, 'great, those patients no longer need their operation,'" she said. The latest data from the Bureau of Health Information in late 2024 shows 37 patients waited longer for their surgery at Orange Hospital than the recommended time-frame, which is an increase since the previous reporting period. But Dr Knox said the doctors' own records showed the hospital's figures did not reflect what they were seeing. Dr Knox says the wait begins from the time people are referred to a specialist surgeon. "That waiting time has increased significantly," he said. "We've looked at the data here and the average in Australia is that about 39 per cent or 35 per cent of patients wait more than one month to see a specialist," he said. Dr Knox's waiting list records, seen by 7.30, also show that for diagnostic procedures, such as colonoscopies, many patients could not be treated within the recommended time-frame. "It's what we often would term the 'hidden wait list,"' he said. The surgeons believe the waiting list pressures are being caused by access to operating theatres and doctor vacancies. Orange recently lost its only vascular surgeon and one of Dr Whelan's colleagues moved interstate, leaving her and one other urological surgeon servicing a large swathe of western NSW. When Dr Knox asked at a hospital clinical council meeting in August 2024 about the appointment of an additional breast cancer surgeon to cope with demand, he was shocked by a senior manager's reply. "Obviously we're not generating pathology out there in the community. We're not walking around with ray guns, zapping people to try and generate pathology. "The meaning of that is that we will generate a waitlist of patients and move this hidden waitlist into a very visible waitlist that then becomes the hospital's liability to deal with. "The obvious question is, who benefits from this? It's not patients, it's not clinicians, it's the health system." The spokesperson for the Western NSW Local Health District said "a business case was being prepared to examine the current and future vascular surgical demand". Watch 7.30, Mondays to Thursdays 7:30pm on ABC iview and ABC TV Do you know more about this story? Get in touch with 7.30 here.
