In This Issue Best of Both Worlds The request seemed simple enough. Physicians and nurses at Petoskey, Mich.-based Norther Michigan Regional Hospital (NMRH) asked COO Reezie DeVet for hand washing materials to be placed directly outside the door of each patient room. The move would allow for easy access to appropriate hand washing materials, a slam dunk decision for cleanliness and patient safety. Except there was more to it than that. Read More... Matters of the States Last month we examined the health reform proposal of a leading Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton. In this issue we will examine Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and the greater facets of the healthcare proposal he sets forth in his campaign for the White House. Read More... Losing Steam Many team and organization changes and improvement efforts are lost or badly bewildered. Decades of studies have consistently shown that 50 to 70 percent are failing. There are as many reasons that improvement endeavors lose their way as there are people, teams, and organizations trying to improve. Read More... Major Market Spotlight We review the Birmingham, Alabama MSA, including geographical coverage, population demographics, top IDNs, hospitals, Long Term Care / Skilled Nursing, and news. Read More... Operating News We summarize 31 news articles regarding hospital operations. Read More...