National health policy expert Jim Bentley, Ph.D., spoke with members of the South Carolina during the Association's annual meeting in Columbia on February 11. He shared his predictions regarding the prospects for national health reform and the implications of the year-long debate on U.S. health policy. Regardless of the fate of the current reform legislation under consideration in Congress, Americans can expect to see changes as a result of the debate that has taken place in Washington and throughout the country, he said.
To hear Dr. Bentley's assessment of the implications related to health care cost containment and quality of care, as well as his answers to questions regarding national health policy, click on the appropriate link below.
Five of South Carolina's nine candidates in the gubernatorial race faced off February 12 during a debate sponsored by the South Carolina Hospital Association.
Lt. Governor Andre' Bauer, Columbia attorney Dwight Drake, Attorney General Henry McMaster, Superintendent of Education Jim Rex, and Senator Vincent Sheheen shared their views regarding the major health care issues facing our state and its citizens and put forth their ideas for addressing issues related to the uninsured, treatment for mental health patients, the health care workforce shortage and tort reform. However, the most lively discussion centered around differences on whether the state cigarette tax, the lowest in the nation, should be increased and, if so, what the extra revenue should be used to support.
The event was moderated by former The State newspaper editor Brad Warthen and held as part of the SCHA's annual membership meeting in Columbia.
Speaker for 89th SCHA Annual Meeting | February 11-12, 2010
Jim Bentley was formerly with the American Hospital Association as the Senior Vice President for Strategic Policy Planning. While in this role, his responsibilities included: long-range policy, health professions, workforce initiatives, disaster preparedness and response, and hospital medical staff relationships. Before joining the AHA in 1991, Jim spent 15 years with the Association of American Medical Colleges. Initially responsible for legislative and regulatory activities affecting teaching hospitals, he concluded his AAMC career as Vice President of Clinical Services with responsibility for the Association’s program of services for teaching hospitals and faculty practice plans. He spent five years in the U.S. Navy Medical Service.
The 89th SCHA Annual Meeting will be full of don’t miss sessions and the first ever Gubernatorial Debate
In so many ways, South Carolina has established itself as a leader in healthcare. From our efforts in quality and patient safety, including establishing what is arguably the best statewide system of STEMI care, to our advocacy efforts, including growing our grassroots impact and harnessing the power and energy of hospital board members. From following the proposed changes with health reform, to developing systems of care for all residents of South Carolina, we have held ourselves to a high standard.
But there is still opportunity to get better, to do more, to save lives. The next year will bring many significant changes for our industry so our challenge is to be informed, engaged, and ready to move. That’s why the 89th SCHA Annual Meeting, February 11-12, 2010 at the Embassy Suites in Columbia, is a “don’t miss” for all.
Jim Bentley, formerly with the American Hospital Association – Reform & Delivery System Implications
Bruce Hamory, MD, Executive Vice President and System Chief Medical Officer Emeritus, Geisinger Health System – Innovating Care: Access, Quality, Cost
Panel Discussion – Innovations in South Carolina
ACHE Category I Panel Discussion – Hospitals Role in Public Policy
On Friday, another in a series of firsts for us, SCHA will host a gubernatorial candidate debate featuring both Republican and Democratic candidates. The debate, moderated by Brad Warthen, former editor with The State, will focus on healthcare, economic growth, and access to coverage. Be a part of an opportunity to let the future leadership of our state know where we stand on key issues and that we are a vital body of voters. Make sure your seat is reserved to hear where the candidates stand and to let them know that the hospital community stands together.
Confirmed for the debate includes:
Honorable Vincent Sheheen Honorable Dwight Drake Honorable Andre Bauer Honorable Jim Rex Honorable Robert Ford Honorable Henry McMaster
Three planes full of desperately- needed medical supplies and medications landed in Jeremie, Haiti, last week, taking life-saving supplies directly to earthquake victims and those trying to care for them.
The South Carolina Hospital Association and its member hospitals teamed up with the South Carolina-based Haiti Children Project (HCP) to get supplies directly to those in need, bypassing the congestion at the Port-au-Prince airport. The HCP flights are landing on dirt strips in rural areas of the country.
SCHA members including Palmetto Health, Lexington Medical Center, Oconee Medical Center, Upstate Carolina Medical Center, Newberry County Memorial Hospital, Greenville Hospital System, and Tuomey Healthcare System have already donated a variety of medications and medical supplies to the SC Hospitals for Haiti initiative. Doctor’s Care and Moore Orthopedic Clinic have also generously donated.
As the donations are delivered by the pallet in trucks, hospital employees and volunteers began to repackage the items into smaller containers so that they can fit into every crevice of the small planes. Once sorted, balanced and tagged, the donations line the walls of a private hanger at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport waiting for shipment.
The hospital employees are going through thinking about what is most critical in the first flights for a variety of injuries.
“I’m thinking as if I were in a MASH unit,” said Lynn Wythe, Palmetto Health nursing director. “I’m thinking dressing, irrigation, bandages and sutures. And the rest might supply their hospital.” The relief efforts are being coordinated through Wade McGuinn, a Lexington home builder and his non-profit Haiti Children Project.
The supplies have already begun to make a difference in the care of patients in Jeremie, which is cut off from food and supplies and receiving a steady influx of severely injured Haitians from Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.
A number of member hospitals and medical teams are also participating in helping with medical care in Haiti including the Regional Medical Center, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, and Newberry County Memorial Hospital
Newsroom
The South Carolina Hospital Association and its member hospitals teamed up with the South Carolina-based Haiti Children Project (HCP) to get supplies directly to those in need, bypassing the congestion at the Port-au-Prince airport. The HCP flights are landing on dirt strips in rural areas of the country.