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National week marked from Feb. 2-8 showcases impact and value of Catholic health care
The Catholic Health Alliance of Canada is celebrating the sixth annual National Catholic Health Care Week from February 2-8, 2025. The 2025 theme focuses on the interconnectedness of all creation and the essential link between human health and the health of the planet, inspired by Pope Francis' teachings in "Laudato Si’." The event emphasizes the role of Catholic health care in promoting environmental stewardship and improving community health. It also calls for reflection on Catholic health care’s contributions as a compassionate and innovative force in the health system, advocating for a society where all individuals are valued and cared for.
By: Kiply Lukan Yaworski
Catholics, Hippocrates, and reforming American medicine
George Weigel criticizes the current state of American medicine, highlighting how the willful participation of medical professionals in practices such as abortion and euthanasia contradicts the Hippocratic Oath's original intent to preserve life. Weigel calls for a reformation of American medicine to uphold life-affirming values, advocating for the involvement of well-catechized Catholic medical professionals and organizations like the Catholic Medical Association to lead these changes.
By: Geroge Weigel
LMDC Commences Investigation into Alleged Medical Wrongful Death at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital
The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) is currently investigating allegations of medical malpractice and wrongful death involving 21-year-old Isaiah Benedicto Williams, who died during a procedure at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital. The investigation commenced with a preliminary hearing at the LMDC headquarters on January 10, 2025, attended by the deceased’s family and hospital representatives. Chaired by Prof. Peter S. Coleman, the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee is leading the inquiry, ensuring a thorough and transparent process. The LMDC has called for public patience and reaffirmed its commitment to justice and credibility throughout the ongoing investigation.
By: James-Emmanuel D. Cole Jr.
Catholic Archdiocese begs for pardon
The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) is currently investigating allegations of medical malpractice and wrongful death involving 21-year-old Isaiah Benedicto Williams, who died during a procedure at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital. The investigation commenced with a preliminary hearing at the LMDC headquarters on January 10, 2025, attended by the deceased’s family and hospital representatives. Chaired by Prof. Peter S. Coleman, the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee is leading the inquiry, ensuring a thorough and transparent process. The LMDC has called for public patience and reaffirmed its commitment to justice and credibility throughout the ongoing investigation.
By: Wise Wesseh
Providence Accuses Union of Bad Faith While Claiming Readiness to Negotiate faith-based hospitals January 2025
In Oregon, a major strike involving about 5,000 healthcare workers, including nurses and doctors, began on January 10, 2025, marking the state's largest healthcare strike. The workers are demanding better compensation, improved conditions, and more staff to ensure quality patient care. Tensions have escalated between Providence Medical Group and the Oregon Nurses Association, with accusations of bad-faith bargaining and complaints about negotiation delays. Providence is open to resuming negotiations at some facilities, while the union insists on addressing systemic healthcare issues. The standoff continues as both sides seek a fair resolution.
By: Angelina Walker
Nurse sues Novant Health Center in Matthews for alleged religious discrimination
Kristine Matthies, a nurse at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, is suing the hospital for religious discrimination. Hired in 2016, Matthies requested a religious exemption from receiving the flu shot, citing her beliefs. While on leave to care for her father, her exemption request was denied without her knowledge, and she missed the appeal deadline. Previously, she had been granted an exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine. After submitting a late appeal, she was fired. The EEOC found reasonable cause to believe Matthies was denied a religious accommodation, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Matthies is seeking $25,000 and other damages.
By: Brandy Beard
Why some doctors have started asking patients about their spiritual lives
Some hospitals, including Indiana University Health, have started asking patients about their spiritual lives as part of their healthcare, recognizing the interconnectedness of spiritual and physical health. This initiative, supported by research indicating the health benefits of spiritual practice, aims to provide holistic care. The program pairs patients lacking social support with community members for meaningful interactions. This approach not only addresses immediate health concerns but also fosters a sense of community and belonging, crucial for long-term recovery and quality of life.
By: Ben Thorp
The Missionary Imperative Of Catholic Health Care
The article critiques the secularization of healthcare, arguing it often overlooks the dignity of individuals created in God's image. It highlights the role of Catholic healthcare in addressing this issue by promoting a holistic approach that respects each person's full humanity. The piece references the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson to underscore dissatisfaction with impersonal health systems dominated by insurance interests. Figures like Dr. Kristin Collier and Louis Brown advocate for healthcare that integrates spiritual and physical care, emphasizing personal encounters with the Divine and a community-based model through initiatives like the Curo Foundation.
By: Jason Adkins
Lawsuit: City retaliated against Catholic hospital for refusing ‘body cavity’ drug search
A federal lawsuit has been filed by Mercy Health in Lorain, Ohio, alleging that city officials retaliated against the hospital and violated its constitutional rights after doctors refused to perform a body cavity search on a detainee. The hospital argues that the requested search posed a high risk of serious injury or death, potentially releasing drugs into the patient's system. Following the refusal, the police terminated their security services agreement with the hospital, leading to increased risks for the facility and its community. The lawsuit highlights that the hospital's refusal is supported by its Catholic Ethical and Religious Directives, which allow practitioners to opt out of procedures they morally oppose.
By: Daniel Payne
Documents show Alberta’s Catholic healthcare body paying private staffing agencies nearly $110 an hour per nurse
Covenant Health in Alberta is significantly reliant on private staffing agencies to fill nursing roles, paying nearly $110 per hour for registered nurses, which is more than double the top wage for unionized nurses. This has led to the projection that Covenant will have spent over $20 million on private nursing contracts from April 2022 to April 2025. The high costs are partly due to shortages in recruiting and retaining skilled health professionals, with Covenant spending considerably more than budgeted across several healthcare facilities.
By: Jeremy Appel