health systems

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein says he will not oppose the proposed merger between Atrium Health, the state's largest healthcare system, and Raleigh-based WakeMed. The combination would create one of the biggest hospital networks in North Carolina, with state regulators and residents watching closely for what it means for healthcare costs and access in the Triangle region.

The European Parliament is calling on the European Commission to provide funding to address a shortage of around one million health workers across the EU. Staff shortages in hospitals, care homes and primary care have been flagged as a growing risk to health systems, particularly as populations age and workforce attrition accelerates. MEPs want Brussels to treat health workforce shortages as a European-level problem requiring dedicated financial support.

Health authorities have confirmed a case of mpox in a city in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo that is already at the centre of an Ebola outbreak. The finding raises concerns about two serious disease outbreaks overlapping in the same region, where health systems and response teams are already stretched. Observers are watching for signs of wider spread and for how authorities manage both outbreaks simultaneously.

German tech outlet heise online reports on a digital health podcast episode describing a robot that measures vital data in patients with concussion. The system could help standardise diagnosis and monitoring of brain injuries, reducing reliance on subjective assessment. Health-tech commentators are sharing the story under digitalisation and robotics tags, reflecting growing interest in automation of medical diagnostics.

A senior Presidential Envoy has voiced support for strengthening emergency preparedness in South Sudan following Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The backing, highlighted by the WHO Regional Office for Africa, signals concern that South Sudan's health system could be tested if the outbreaks spread, and puts focus on readiness measures, surveillance and cross-border coordination in the region.

A renewed debate is underway in the United States over a Medicare for All plan, which would replace private health insurance with a single government-run system. Supporters argue it would guarantee coverage for everyone and cut overall costs, while critics warn of higher taxes, longer wait times and disruption to existing insurance. The proposal remains a dividing line among Democrats and a flashpoint with Republicans.

Future Health convened global health leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss transforming health systems at scale. The gathering focused on how countries can restructure and strengthen health care delivery to meet growing demands, bringing together policymakers and health experts to align on priorities for large-scale reform.

Tensions are rising in US healthcare over the use of artificial intelligence, with insurance payers and care providers clashing over how AI is deployed. Insurers increasingly use algorithms for claims review and prior authorization, while providers argue the tools delay or deny care and add administrative burdens. Health system leaders are calling for oversight and regulation as both sides race to adopt AI.

An opinion piece argues that the bail system is being used as an unofficial substitute for mental health care, with people in psychological crisis detained because treatment options are unavailable. The author contends this criminalizes illness rather than addressing it, and calls for investment in proper mental health services instead of relying on jails and bail to manage the problem.

Healthcare systems worldwide are coming under scrutiny for their environmental impact, with calls to rethink how care is delivered to reduce emissions and waste. The discussion centres on making hospitals, supply chains and treatment practices more sustainable while maintaining quality of care for patients.

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has approved the university's representatives to serve on the Nebraska Medicine board. The move formalizes university leadership's role in the governance of the state's major academic health system. Details about the individual appointees and terms were not immediately available, but the decision advances coordination between the university and Nebraska Medicine.

A new report examines how cross-border digital identity can be harmonised across European healthcare systems through the MyHealth@EU architecture, the EU's framework for exchanging patient health data between member states. The discussion centres on interoperability of electronic health records, patient identification across borders, and how a shared digital identity could let citizens access treatment and records anywhere in the EU.

Mental health providers and hospitals in Oregon are legally challenging a state requirement that they prioritize criminal defendants awaiting competency services over other patients seeking psychiatric care. The providers argue the mandate leaves ordinary patients, including those in crisis, waiting longer for treatment as limited beds and staff are redirected to the justice system.

The American Journal of Managed Care has published a FAQ explaining what the current measles outbreak means for payers and health systems. The piece outlines how insurers and providers may need to respond, covering questions around vaccination coverage, outbreak response costs, and operational planning as measles cases continue to draw national attention across the United States.

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has voted to approve the university's representatives to the Nebraska Medicine board. The move formalises which officials will sit on the governing body of the health system that works closely with the university's medical centre. Details on the individual representatives and the terms of the arrangement were not immediately available.

Forecasters are warning of another round of extreme heat, with more high temperatures expected in the coming days. The news is drawing attention as heatwaves continue to strain communities, power grids and public health systems, with officials urging people to prepare for prolonged hot conditions.

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has appointed four new members to the board of Nebraska Medicine, the state's largest health system. The appointments fill seats overseeing the hospital network affiliated with the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. No further details about the appointees or their terms were immediately available.