Hospitals in Kentucky and other states may be more motivated to take medical safety more seriously with the news that more than a dozen hospitals in California now face heavy fines for deadly medical errors over the past year, including medication mistakes.
A recent article posted in HealthTechZone reports that the State of California has levied fines against 13 hospitals for serious medical errors that run the gamut from improper use of equipment, medication mistakes, failure to respond quickly to alarms from medical equipment, and improper handling of ventilator equipment. One hospital was cited for medical errors that contributed to the deaths of two patients in separate incidents. The fines ranged from $50,000 to $100,000 each.
Since medical mistakes are not always easy to discover, hospitals in Kentucky must be extra vigilant in fostering solid communication among staff members;
emphasizing the importance of maintaining clearly written and thorough medical records; and adhering to thorough due diligence procedures to ensure that alarms on equipment are working properly and that all providers are fully qualified to operate them.
If these safety guidelines are overlooked or not abided by, a serious injury or death can occur. The victims and families can pursue a medical malpractice claim against the responsible parties.
Contacting a Louisville, Kentucky Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you or a loved one suspects having been victimized while by medical errors while hospitalized, including medication mistakes, contact a medical malpractice attorney in the Louisville area at the law offices of Gray and White: 502-210-8942.