Health Access Network

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein says he will not stand in the way of a planned merger between Atrium Health, the state's largest health care system, and Raleigh-based WakeMed. The combination would create one of the biggest hospital networks in North Carolina, and Stein's decision removes a significant political obstacle to the deal moving forward.

Volunteers and advocates with the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network visited Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress, urging support for cancer research funding and patient-focused legislation. The advocacy day brings grassroots concerns about prevention, treatment access, and federal research investment directly to lawmakers, and is part of the organization's ongoing effort to keep cancer policy on the national legislative agenda.

WindRose Health Network, a healthcare provider, has disclosed a data breach affecting approximately 33,000 individuals. Details in the disclosure are limited to the headline report, but breaches of this scale at health organizations typically involve unauthorized access to patient information, raising concerns over data security in the healthcare sector.

Sentara Health and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield are in a contract dispute that could affect patients across Hampton Roads, Virginia. If no agreement is reached, Anthem policyholders could lose in-network access to Sentara hospitals, doctors and facilities. Patients in the region are being warned to watch for updates as negotiations continue between the two healthcare organizations.

Orlando Health has finalized its acquisition of RMC Health System, based in Anniston, Alabama, bringing the regional provider under the Florida health network's umbrella. The deal means Anniston-area hospitals and services will now operate as part of Orlando Health, a move expected to reshape healthcare access and administration in east Alabama.

Five Pennsylvania hospitals have officially joined the West Virginia University Medicine health system, expanding the network's footprint across state lines. However, the affiliation of Fulton County Medical Center remains pending and has not yet been finalized. The consolidation reflects ongoing hospital mergers in the region as smaller facilities seek support from larger health systems amid financial and staffing pressures.

Health Access Network, a healthcare provider, is the subject of an investigation into a potential class action lawsuit following a data breach. Lawyers are examining whether patients whose personal and medical information was exposed can pursue legal claims. Patients affected by such healthcare breaches typically face risks of identity theft and fraud, and investigations like this often precede formal litigation.

WVU Medicine has officially completed its absorption of Independence Health System, welcoming the system's employees into its organisation. The move expands WVU Medicine's footprint in the region and brings Independence Health's hospitals and staff under the West Virginia University health network. Attention is focused on what the takeover means for patients, jobs and local healthcare services going forward.

WVU Medicine has completed the acquisition of five facilities previously operated by Independence Health System, expanding its network of hospitals and care sites. The deal brings the locations under the WVU Medicine umbrella, broadening access to its services for patients in the region. The health system says the transition is part of ongoing consolidation among Pennsylvania and West Virginia hospital operators.

Midwest nonprofit health systems HealthPartners and Essentia Health have announced plans to merge, combining two of the region's major care providers. The deal would create a larger integrated health network spanning Minnesota and neighboring states. Industry watchers are weighing what the combination means for patients, costs and hospital consolidation across the upper Midwest.

Goshen Health, a hospital system in northern Indiana, is integrating with Fort Wayne-based Parkview Health. Patients and residents can expect visible changes as the transition proceeds, including new branding and updated signage at Goshen facilities, along with technology updates such as shared systems and records. The move folds the local provider into the larger regional network, a change likely to affect how area residents access and experience care.

Goshen Health, an Indiana-based healthcare provider, has announced a merger with Parkview Health. The move will bring Goshen's hospitals and services under the Parkview network, a significant consolidation in northern Indiana's healthcare landscape. Details on timing, finances and what the merger means for patients and staff have not yet been fully outlined.

Construction firm Skanska has completed a $27.3 million freestanding emergency department for Broward Health in Sunrise, Florida. The facility expands access to emergency care in western Broward County, adding to the health system's network of services outside its main hospital campuses. The project's completion was reported by South Florida Hospital News.