Sometimes my radio show conversations take a very unexpected turn — and yesterday’s post-air chat was no exception, although I have to say, this one surprised even me. I’ve been hearing stories from the dark side of medicine for more than 2-1/2 years, ever since I started by advocacy work. I thought I’d gotten a […]
The COSTS of Medical Records Errors and Lies Read More »
Max Alexander paints a very frightening portrayal of nighttime in the hospital in the June 2007 Reader’s Digest. There is nothing condensed about the appalling stories he tells which have resulted in death, damage, pain and long term trauma. The story was forwarded to me by Helen Haskell, one of “us” — patients and loved
Hospital Night Terrors – Condensed Read More »
My heart is heavy this morning as I share sad news. Several months ago I wrote about my friend Paul, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had decided to refuse treatment so he could, instead, battle it his own way. I learned this morning that Paul has died, and my heart is broken.
Death, Dignity or Immorality, Peace Read More »
Hospitals may SAY they are trying to improve patient safety, but the errors are increasing anyway. While mandating that error rates improve, and making loud noises so the public thinks they mean it, hospitals are at the same time tying at least an arm, and possibly a leg behind their worker’s backs. More patients are
Two Sides of the Hospital Safety Mouth Read More »
Among the impressive folks I’ve “met” (sometimes only virtually) through my work as Every Patient’s Advocate is Jonathan Fine, MD, the co-founder of Bedside Advocates in Massachusetts. His program is wonderfully impressive. Launched in Fall 2006, Bedside Advocates recruits skilled, retired health care professionals including doctors and nurses, to work with high risk patients and
Boston Advocates Step Up for Patients Read More »
It’s rare a day goes by that I don’t read an article about deaths and other adverse drug effects caused by somebody making a mistake. A MISTAKE. That’s not the same as the ones where someone just has a bad reaction because their body can’t handle it. I’ve blogged before about problems with prescription drugs,
Drug Errors will kill 25 people today Read More »
I wish I had a nickel for every nurse, therapist or other hospital or healthcare worker who wanted to tell me — on the QT — stories that would make your toes curl. I’m a magnet for those stories; as if sharing them with me takes a load off their minds. I think they think
Whistle Blowers: Safe in Colorado Read More »
Mistakes come in all sizes and flavors. At one extreme, they are dumb and harmless and can be simply erased, just like the wrong answer to a math problem. Remember all those little eraser droppings you brushed and blew off your notebook paper? No harm done. Mistakes easily fixed. Learning happened. Life goes on. At
Medical Errors, Mayo Doctors and Who’s Protecting Whom? Read More »
