Vermont’s largest hospital has
dropped its plan to sell its outpatient dialysis clinics after state regulators
said the sale would not improve care or hold down costs. Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington says it may need to charge more for dialysis
services now that the sale is cancelled.
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a case with implications for Vermont’s religious schools and colleges and we look at the challenges medical facilities face as they await the future of the State Hospital.
Fletcher Allen Health Care was rocked by financial scandal less than a
decade ago, and as it emerged from that cloud Dr. Melinda Estes was
named CEO. After eight years, she
steps down this month and we look back on how FAHC has changed during her tenure.
Officials
at Fletcher Allen Health Care say that, after eight years on the job, CEO Melinda Estes is exploring other opportunities. Estes
is widely credited with restoring Fletcher Allen’s credibility.
Fletcher Allen Health Care
has been unscathed, so far, by the resurgence of bedbugs that’s been sweeping
the country. But the Burlington hospital isn’t taking any chances.
Even with Governor-elect Peter Shumlin’s decision to use $19 million in federal stimulus for Vermont schools, districts will still face difficult funding choices next year.
Vermont school districts which fell short of state budget goals earned a temporary reprieve this week. But officials warn they’ll still have to trim expenses in future budgets.