The “We won't close - county hospital u-turn over baby units (From ... - This is Dorset” plus 4 more

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• We won't close - county hospital u-turn over baby units (From ... - This is Dorset
• Seventh Grader Helps Mom Deliver Baby Sister - First Coast News
• Things to Think About Before Baby Arrives - Motley Fool
• House bill likely to include long-term health care - WTOP
• Health Bulletin Board - The Spokesman-Review

We won't close - county hospital u-turn over baby units (From ... - This is Dorset Posted: 27 Oct 2009 10:29 AM PDT We won't close - county hospital u-turn over baby units 7:30am Tuesday 27th October 2009 Comments (0) Have your say » HOSPITAL bosses have vowed to keep the maternity and special care baby unit open at Dorset County Hospital. The decision follows a major outcry after it was revealed they could be axed to save cash. The Echo discovered that the departments had been threatened with closure or cutbacks – along with other specialist units such as oncology – as Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust undertakes a cost-saving review. The Dorchester hospital is being forced to make millions of pounds-worth of savings, which are expected to threaten jobs and services. The trust's chairman Robin SeQueira resigned after the Echo broke the story. He said he could not preside over the drastic cuts needed. Now the trust's medical director Dr Nick Hateboer has responded to the public backlash against the proposals. He said: "We know that the public are concerned about the future of hospital services, including maternity and the special care baby unit (SCBU) – however, we have no plans to close these departments. "We understand how important these services are to the community." However, a hospital source who confirmed that the baby units were under threat described the latest announcement as a 'smokescreen' to 'calm the troops' while decisions were made. The source said: "There's been a tremendous furore in the hospital internally. "A lot of the hospital staff, especially at lower levels, are very concerned and members of the public have also been complaining to the hospital. "I think this is a smokescreen. The board of directors realise they're under the microscope and I know several are thinking about resigning." The source said proposals include closing the special care baby unit and axing consultants in the maternity ward – with scans and appointments continuing in Dorchester but mums having to give birth elsewhere. The accident and emergency department at the £45million complex should be safe but proposals could see patients undergoing elective surgery and urology patients being sent to Poole or Bournemouth hospitals. A member of staff said that the board were sending out confused signals and no one seemed to know exactly what was happening. She said: "They are running scared after the story about the maternity unit and SCBU. Staff don't know what's going on and we hope that the latest statement what it says – that the units will not be closed." Dr Hateboer said the hospital was facing major financial problems and is currently predicting a deficit of £7.4million by the end of the financial year – March 30, 2010. He added: "The trust board has recognised the scale of the financial challenges and agreed to take the necessary steps to ensure that we continue to provide quality hospital services to our community. "We are listening to our local community, staff and health partners during the review of our services and will put forward proposals in dues course. We have not made any premature judgements or decisions about any one service – and certainly have not singled out the maternity or SCBU. "All the services we provide will be considered equally and openly and responsible decisions reached in consultation with all our partners for the good of the whole community. "We are working closely with our clinicians and department heads to make sure we fully explore all the options. "We will continue to keep our staff, the public and media informed about developments." NHS Dorset chief executive Paul Sly added: "This is a very challenging time for Dorset County Hospital and NHS Dorset, as the commissioner of health services will be seeking to work with the trust to ensure that they continue to provide both high quality and cost effective services." A spokesman for the hospital said an announcement on any cutbacks would be made by the end of November. PARENTS whose children were cared for at the special care baby unit (SCBU) have welcomed the news that it may be saved. Simon and Kirstie Snow said their son Oscar, now aged 19 months, was born six weeks early and would have died without the specialist care he received at the Dorchester hospital. Mrs Snow said: "If they could keep SCBU and the maternity unit open, obviously that would be fantastic. "Just the idea of it closing is unthinkable really. I don't know how we would function as a county without these two facilities. "It would be awful, especially for West Dorset if parents had to travel to Poole and Bournemouth. "I hope to have another baby in the future and if there were complications like I had with Oscar, it could be very worrying without the service at Dorchester." She added: "I appreciate the hospital has to save a huge amount of money. It's just a case of which services will they pick? "My sister is having chemotherapy at the moment and my grandparents have been treated at the hospital, so we've used the hospital a lot. "Someone is going to get the short straw – I just hope it's not the newborns." Clive and Louise Burgess's twin daughters Charlotte and Megan, now aged 18 months, were cared for there after they were born prematurely. The sisters were born at 35 weeks by caesarean section in the maternity ward at Dorset County Hospital and transferred to the special care unit because they arrived early. Mr Burgess, of Manor Place, Portland, said: "We found the standard of care at the special care baby unit was absolutely second to none. "Charlotte and Megan were there for three weeks and they're are doing exceptionally well now. "It was very reassuring to know the unit was there. It would have been much more of a strain on the family and my husband if the twins were in Yeovil or Southampton with the longer distances and everything else." THOUSANDS of mums have expressed their fears over the future of Dorset County Hospital special care baby unit and maternity ward. Almost 5,000 people have joined a group created on the social networking website Facebook after the hospital announced it needed to make £7.3million in savings. The hospital has now pledged to keep the unit open with more definite plans coming at the end of November. However, mums of babies born at the hospital want more answers now. Cheryl Barrett, 29, from Weymouth, has already received approval to start a petition on the Number 10 Downing Street website and said that she is going to start a campaign locally as well. The mother of two-year-old Ethan, who was born at the hospital, said: "Saying there will be an answer in November is not good enough – it has got to be a yes or no. "All my friends and my partner are 100 per cent behind me on this, we want them to tell us for definite. "It is brilliant to see all the support on Facebook, that is a petition in its own right." Rachel Hayball started the group named 'Save the maternity department and SCBU at Dorset County Hospital from closure' which has gained almost 5,000 members in under a week. She said: "This is the only maternity unit in south and west Dorset and closing it would mean that a lot of people would have over an hour's drive to a hospital if they were in labour. "It would also mean that a much-needed special baby care unit would close, risking the lives of many very poorly babies. "We need to get together and make our voices heard. We cannot let this go ahead – lives will be lost if this unit is closed." Anthea Dugdale, 33, from Dorchester, gave birth to her three-month-old daughter Tamzin at the hospital eight weeks prematurely and she said that if she had to travel to another hospital her little girl might not have lived. She said: "I really want the unit to stay open in case I decide to have children in the future and I'm sure a lot of other mums feel the same way. "I'm glad the hospital is saying it is going to stay open, but us mums need to know whether it is or not for definite. "The end of November is just too long to wait. "They must know now so I wish they would just tell us for sure rather than keeping everyone in suspense." To support the group visit www.facebook.com and search for the group's title or to sign Cheryl's petition visit petitions.number10.gov.uk/scbuclosure This content has passed through fivefilters.org. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Seventh Grader Helps Mom Deliver Baby Sister - First Coast News Posted: 27 Oct 2009 12:30 PM PDT SPOKANE, WA -- Big sisters are supposed to take care of their little sisters, but it doesn't usually happen like this. Seventh grader Emma Herb helped deliver her sister as 911 dispatchers talked her through the process when her mom went in to labor early. Amanda Herb was scheduled to induce labor on September 25, but she went into labor one day early. Her husband was running errands when her water broke and Amanda turned to her 7th grader, Emma. "She was grace under pressure here," said Amanda of her daughter, "she did well." Emma's dad raced home, dialed 911 and handed the phone to Emma. "It was pretty crazy," said the 12-year-old. Dispatchers explained to Emma how to deliver the baby, who relayed the information to her dad. "We take so many heart attacks or stroke calls that when we have one like this... it's happiness all around," said Linda Hendrix, a fire dispatcher. "One can only cherish that happiness for as long as we can." Hendrix and the fire department awarded Emma a pin and certificate at school on Monday, making her an honorary member of the "Stork Club," a group of people who have delivered babies over the phone. Emma said she was a little embarrassed by the attention, but she accepted the award graciously. ©2009 KHQ. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed. This content has passed through fivefilters.org. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Things to Think About Before Baby Arrives - Motley Fool Posted: 27 Oct 2009 09:31 AM PDT Recs 1 Email Share Print Anyone even thinking about having kids may wonder whether they've turned into some kind of bipolar monster, cooing over passing infants in strollers one minute, then freaking out over the outrageous cost of college the next. Believe it or not, this behavior's pretty normal. Contemplating parenthood means taking on a pile of new responsibilities that can throw you into a tailspin, forcing you to think about wills and life insurance and pacifiers all at once. To make this life-changing transition a little smoother, you might consider doing some early financial planning for the topsy-turvy time from pregnancy through early infanthood. Start while the little tyke is just a twinkle in your eye, because you can't predict how fast "trying" will turn into "expecting." Wait too long, and you may be too saddled by morning sickness to do much more than watch terrible television and eat soda crackers. Or the other parent may be too busy picking up some extra household duties. With that in mind, there are some things you can do ahead of time to help you prepare: Find out about your employer's parental leave policies. And don't be surprised if they're unpaid -- even if you're the mother. If you're the father, many companies must follow family policies that give you the right to take some time off, too. If both of you want to take some quality time at home, you'll need to factor that into your planning. Investigate the coverage offered by your health insurance. Maternity policies often differ from those for routine office visits or emergency coverage. You may be asked to pay a larger share of the costs. Try to estimate how much you'll have to pay, and start saving that money now. Factor your deductible into that equation. You're almost certainly going to have to pay the entire amount. While you're investigating all these details, find out how quickly you have to call the insurance company to make sure the new arrival gets coverage, too. Save by setting aside some money in a flexible savings account. Those accounts, offered by some employers, allow employees to put aside money before paying taxes to cover health and medical costs. After you pay your expenses, you request reimbursement. The arrangement basically allows you to pay your health expenses with untaxed dollars, saving you money in taxes. Make sure to check your employer's policies. Some health spending accounts may deny reimbursements from expenses you accrue while you're on leave. If that's the case, save a larger chunk of money in an account held by the spouse who will spend the least time away from work. While you're at it, start saving a little money for all the additional expenses that may or may not be covered by your insurance. That includes birthing classes, infant care classes, baby CPR classes ... you may be asked to get a virtual bachelor's degree in babies. Think about how to pay the bills while you're not working. You might decide you want to leave work, whether temporarily or permanently. If you take a temporary, unpaid leave, that may mean stashing enough money away early to make sure the mortgage or rent and any necessary expenses can get paid while you're not working. If you want to leave work for the long term, try living on one salary for a while. You'll get an immediate idea about the lifestyle changes you'll have to make. In either case, you might want to start scouring the budget now for any extra expenses you can do without once the baby -- and all of the demands for diapers, formula, and pediatric visits -- arrives. Try living without those luxuries now. It will make it easier to stash away some money for your future costs and ease you into a lifestyle for three. Lastly, don't turn down anything that anyone offers you -- and they will offer. Maternity wear, baby clothes, cribs, and other items get shuttled from one household to the next in a kind of underground parents' economy. Accept the freebies, even those tent-sized T-shirts that look like they came from Jabba the Hutt. You may need them one day. For more Foolishness: The Only Way to Earn 50% Annual Returns 5 Companies Set to Dominate Competitors Analysts Hate This Stock This article, written by Mary Dalrymple, was originally published in February 2007. It has been updated by Dayana Yochim. The Fool has a disclosure policy. This content has passed through fivefilters.org. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

House bill likely to include long-term health care - WTOP Posted: 27 Oct 2009 02:25 PM PDT By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - House health care legislation expected within days is likely to include a new long-term care insurance program to help seniors and disabled people stay out of nursing homes, senior Democrats say. The voluntary program would begin to close a gap in the social safety net overlooked in the broader health care debate, but it must overcome objections from insurance companies that sell long-term care coverage and from fiscal conservatives. "I'm pretty confident that it will be in there," Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., a leading sponsor, said of the provision. More than 10 million people currently need long-term care services, a number that's only expected to grow as the baby boom generation ages. But most families whose elders can no longer care for themselves have to scrape to find a solution. The cost of nursing homes averages $70,000 a year, and a home care attendant runs about $29 an hour. Medicare only covers temporary nursing home stays. Middle-class households have to go through their savings before an elder can qualify for nursing home coverage through Medicaid. The new proposal is called the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, or CLASS Act, and passing it was a top priority for the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass. The Obama administration also has said it should be part of health care overhaul legislation. In return for modest monthly premiums while they are working, people would receive a cash benefit of at least $50 a day if they become disabled. The money could be used to pay a home care attendant, purchase equipment and supplies, make home improvements such as adding bathroom railings, or defray the costs of nursing home care. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the program _ financed by premiums_ would be fiscally solvent over a 75-year period. That calculation assumes an initial monthly premium of $123 and a $75 daily benefit. People would have to pay premiums for five years before they could qualify for benefits. Premiums and benefits would be adjusted annually for inflation. According to the budget office, the program would take in more money than it pays out over its first 10 years, reducing the federal budget deficit on paper by about $73 billion. That makes it an attractive option for lawmakers trying to shoehorn a major expansion of health insurance coverage into the 10-year, $900 billion limit set by President Barack Obama. A House Democratic leadership aide said top Democrats are leaning toward including the long-term care plan in the House bill. There is strong support among Democrats in the House to do it, said the aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity because no final decision has been made. "Many members want to find a way to include this in the bill and I appreciate the strong support," said Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., also a sponsor. In the Senate, the situation is uncertain. The CLASS Act is part of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee bill, but the Finance Committee passed on it. Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has not said whether he'll include it in the final, combined version. Supporters of the program say it wouldn't crowd out private long-term care insurance, since the public benefit would be modest when compared with the cost of services, whether in one's own home or in a nursing center. "It's a little bit like Social Security, since most people you don't just want to live on Social Security alone," said Paul Van de Water, a senior policy analyst with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. "This could be viewed as a base, but it's not the whole thing. If private insurers want to sell products that would supplement it, that market would still be available." The center advocates for low-income people. But the American Council of Life Insurers says a federal insurance program would only create confusion among consumers. "Many people already believe Medicare is going to cover their long-term care needs, and as a result they don't plan," said Whit Cornman, a spokesman for the industry group. The CLASS Act would only add to the false sense of security. Insurers say the initial low premiums for the program would rise over time, making it unattractive for healthy working age people to keep contributing. Eventually, they warn, it would need a taxpayer bailout. For now, Democratic moderates in the Senate are concerned the CLASS Act will promote budget shenanigans. Since the long-term care fund would be in the black over its first 10 years, the moderates say its inclusion in the health care overhaul package would serve to mask the true costs of expanding medical coverage. (Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) This content has passed through fivefilters.org. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Health Bulletin Board - The Spokesman-Review Posted: 27 Oct 2009 08:56 AM PDT Story Comments October 27, 2009 in Features Health Bulletin Board share email print '); $("#content-tool-box-"+tool_name).jqm({trigger:this,overlay:20}); } }); }); Today Sibling Preparation – Prepares children ages 2-6 for their role as a big brother or sister. One parent must accompany child; 6-7 p.m. at Providence Holy Family Hospital, 5633 N. Lidgerwood St. (509) 482-2372. Red Cross Adult/Child K.N.O.W. HIV Prevention Education – Covers the stages, transmission, treatment, emotional aspects and impact of the disease. Participants receive a packet and certification; 8 a.m.-noon, at American Red Cross Inland Northwest Chapter, 315 W. Nora Ave. (509) 326-3330, Ext. 215 to register. New listings Dr. Drew to Answer Students' Health and Relationship Questions – Health and wellness advocate Dr. Drew Pesky will lead the talk, fueled by audience questions. Event is free to Washington State University students and $10 for the public. Thursday, at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5) at WSU's Compton Union Building Senior Ballroom, Pullman. Call (425) 223-9234 or (509) 335-6816 or e-mail shel_roz@wsu.edu or shuffield@wsu.edu for more information. Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Workshop – A body/mind modality combining supported yoga poses with Rogerian dialogue technique to access new inspirations and possibilities for life. No yoga experience necessary. Four-week class begins Monday and is held Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 3220 S. Grand Blvd. Cost is $144. Call (509) 455-5931. Baby Care – Course focuses on learning hands-on care of infants, safety issues, feeding and comforting a new baby. Next Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., at St. Luke's Rehabilitation Institute, 711 S. Cowley St. Cost is $25 per person, preregistration is required. Call (509) 232-8138 to register and for more information. Diabetes Support Group – Discussion facilitated by a CHER certified diabetes educator provides an opportunity to ask questions and participate with others affected by diabetes. Free and open to the public. Nov. 3, 6-7:30 p.m. at Deaconess Health and Education Center, 910 W. Fifth Ave. Call (509) 232-8145 for more information. Quit and Win Tobacco Program – Free program offers classes twice a month, flexible quit dates, chances to win prizes at each class once you quit and support to help you quit and stay quit. Nov. 9, 6-7 p.m. at Providence Holy Family Hospital, 5633 N. Lidgerwood St. (509) 232-8138. Varicose Vein Seminar at Rockwood – Free presentation will cover the prevention, causes and new treatments for varicose veins as well as how to look and feel better. Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m. at Rockwood Clinic, 400 E. Fifth Ave., second floor conference room. Call (509) 342-3751 or e-mail rcaldwell@rockwoodclinic.com for more information. Upcoming Free Wellness Class – Sponsored by the Moscow Food Co-op, class covers how stress can affect the immune and digestive systems, sleep patterns and blood sugar levels. Thursday, 7 p.m. at the 1912 Center's Fiske Room, 412 E. Third St., Moscow, Idaho. Call (208) 882-8537 for more information. Red Cross First Aid – Learn skills to provide care and minimize the consequences of injury until help arrives, to include sudden illness and bleeding. Thursday, 6-10 p.m. at American Red Cross Inland Northwest Chapter, 315 W. Nora Ave. (509) 326-3330, Ext. 215 to register. Understanding Cancer: Colorectal – Covers local resources and treatment options. Thursday, 6:30-8 p.m. at Valley Hospital and Medical Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley. Free; preregistration is required. Call (509) 232-8138 to register and for more information. A Time to Grieve – Take a look at the losses in life and how we have grieved those losses – whether of departed loved ones, lost opportunities or even hopes. Cost is $30. Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon, at St. Joseph Family Center, 1016 N. Superior St. Call (509) 483-6495, e-mail sjfc@stjosephfamilycenter.org, or visit www.stjosephfamilycenter.org for more information. Stretch and Flex Classes – Seven-week session combines Pilates, yoga, body conditioning, light cardio, and basic stretching. All ages and levels welcome. Held Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays through Nov. 6, 9-10 a.m. at Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road. Cost is $60 for entire session, drop-ins welcome for $5. Call (509) 927-8187 for more information. Caregiver Classes – For people caring for ill family and friends. Free presentation will cover: how caregiver can care for themselves, legal issues associated with caregiving, how to talk with doctors and their billing offices, communicating with family and friends, and spiritual care. Held Wednesdays through Nov. 11, 2-3:30 p.m. at Orchard Crest Retirement Community, 222 S. Evergreen Road, Spokane Valley. Call (509) 456-0438 to register and for more information. Balance and Dizziness – Covers information on causes and treatments for dizziness and vertigo. Free. Nov. 11, 2:30 p.m. at Providence Holy Family Health Education Center, 5633 N. Lidgerwood St., Call (509) 482-2372 to preregister and for more information. Curves Exercise Facility – In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Curves is waiving the service/sign-up fee for new members. Located at 164 S. Washington St. Call (509) 456-6050 for more information. "Creating Harmony Through Effective Communication" – Meditation for Health class series emphasizes communication skills to help strengthen relationships, reduce stress and provide social support. Held Mondays in November, 7-8:15 p.m. at Newport Hospital's Sandifur Room, 714 W. Pine St., Newport, Wash. Free; donations are appreciated. Call (509) 447-5549 or visit www.sravastiabbey.org for more information. Third Annual Spokane Jingle Bell Run/Walk – 5K run/walk to raise funds to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Cost is $20 for adults; free for children 8 and younger or $10 with a T-shirt. Nov. 21, 7:30 a.m., in Riverfront Park. Call (206) 547-2707, Ext. 102, e-mail kbirnbaum@arthritis.org, or visit www.spokanejingle bellrun.kintera.org for more information. Contributions to Health Bulletin Board should be mailed attention to the Health Bulletin Board, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210, or e-mailed to features@spokesman.com. Deadline for Tuesday publication is noon Thursday. Story Comments This content has passed through fivefilters.org. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

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