By John Stucke and Jonel Aleccia, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash. Nov. 15--One of the nation's largest hospital chains has proposed paying at least $168 million for Deaconess Medical Center and Valley Hospital and Medical Center.

By McLean, Mike Just two years after a period of hemorrhaging red ink, job losses, and rumors of its possible demise or sale, Empire Health Services, Spokane's second largest hospital network, is now posting modest profit margins and healthy gains in patient visits, says CEO Jeff A. Nelson.

By Kevin Graman, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash. Mar.