Sun Capital-Backed Medical Centers File Chapter 11, Seeks Sale
MBMG Holding LLC, which runs 26 primary care facilities in Florida that care for about 35,000 patients, said it has struggled with “substantial debt” incurred when Sun Capital acquired the business in 2020. The company primarily attributed its financial troubles to Medicaid and Medicare-related changes that have cut into its revenue as well as rising costs following the Covid-19 pandemic which have stressed the health sector. MBMG, which was re-branded as Clinical Care Medical Centers, said it has about $480 million in long-term debt. [Source: Bloomberg and Yahoo! Finance]
Post-hurricane floodwaters bring warning about deadly bacteria infections
Floodwaters bring increased risk of infections from Vibrio bacteria, such as Vibrio vulnificus. Vibrio is commonly found in warm coastal waters and can cause illness when ingesting contaminated undercooked seafood or when open wounds are exposed to contaminated water. Vibrio vulnificus may lead to necrotizing fasciitis, in which the flesh around an open wound dies. Because of this, Vibrio vulnificus is sometimes called a “flesh-eating bacteria.” After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria may rise, particularly in brackish and saltwater environments. [Source: WUSF Health News]
Milton and Helene are taking a toll on the mental health of Floridians
Many Floridians are experiencing back-to-back jolts of anxiety, uncertainty and fear that experts say could have lasting effects. Milton’s devastation has claimed at least 23 lives in Florida — bringing storm surge, rains and tornadoes that compounded the suffering inflicted by another “once in a lifetime” storm, Helene, less than two weeks earlier. Along with widespread death and destruction, two major hurricanes over a short period of time have left a vast trail of despair and frayed nerves that experts warn could make many Floridians more susceptible to depression and post-traumatic stress syndrome. [Source: CNN]
Robins & Morton complete Florida medical project, to begin work on Panama City hospital
The Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Medical Office Building in Panama City Beach is a four-story, 80,000-square-foot facility; the new hospital will be built on the same campus and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The hospital will accommodate surgery, cardiology procedures and imaging, and provide opportunities for FSU researchers, as well as and residency programs and clinical rotations for Florida State University medical students. The medical office project was a collaboration with The St. Joe Company and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. [Source: AdvanceLocal]
Florida abortion ballot measure under fire by state government
The state health department has been telling television stations they could be subject to criminal charges if they continue airing one ad from Floridians Protecting Freedom that the government says is untrue and creates a “sanitary nuisance.” The ad, supporting Amendment 4, has continued to run anyway. Last week, the Office of Election Crimes and Security issued a report claiming a “large number of forged signatures or fraudulent petitions” were submitted to get the question on the ballot. The director of Floridians Protecting Freedom says that the campaign has been “above board” and that the state is acting improperly to try to defeat the amendment. [Source: PBS]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Poppy seed brew triggers morphine overdose, drawing attention of lawmakers
Poppy seeds contaminated with opioids can be used to make a deadly brew, a watchdog says.
› PAM Health to Build 42-Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Boca Raton, Florida
The hospital will be the organization's ninth hospital in the state.
› State Denies Abortion Clinic License
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration on Friday denied a license for a new Pensacola abortion clinic, rejecting a recommendation by an administrative law judge who said the application should be approved.
› Florida health care official discusses hospital operations after Milton
Jyric Sims, president of HCA Healthcare West Florida Division, discusses emergency response and hospital operations after Hurricane Milton.