Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital Reports High Infection Rate
The 25 total Clostridium difficile cases reported by Sutter in 2014 was almost double the number set as a national benchmark. News outlets report on other hospital developments related to a statewide rise in C. diff. cases, an increase in Southern California's hospital inspectors and an executive pay clash at Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside.
The Press Democrat:
High Rate Of Infections Found At Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital
In the state’s latest assessment of hospital-associated infections, Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital reported a high rate of infections caused by a nasty intestinal bacterium that is often caused by the overuse or misuse of antibiotics. In 2014, according to hospital- reported data compiled by the California Department of Public Health, Sutter’s Santa Rosa hospital logged 25 cases of clostridium difficile, or C. diff., a germ that can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite and fever and in some cases can be deadly. (Espinoza, 2/11)
Payers & Providers:
Hospitals Confront Rise In C. Diff Cases
California's acute care facilities are continuing to make inroads against hospital-acquired infections but are still being challenged by at least one type of superbug, according to new data from the tate Department of Public Health (CDPH). That would be Clostridium difficile, or C. diff., a bacterial infection that usually originates in the digestive tract, typically due to the use of antibiotics. (Shinkman, 2/11)
Payers & Providers:
61 New Hospital Inspectors For SoCal
The California Department of Public Health has confirmed that the number of hospital inspectors in the state’s most populous county will increase dramatically in the coming months. (2/11)
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
Tri-City, Union Clash Over Executive Pay Petition
Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside is asking a judge to invalidate a petition that seeks to cap its total annual executive compensation at $250,000 per person. The petition is backed by SEIU-UHW, a union that represents about 800 service workers at the hospital. It faces a legal challenge from Tri-City, which said in a recently filed court document that state law does not extend initiative powers to public health care districts. (Sisson, 2/11)