I actually heard this on the radio this morning on my way into work. I thought it interesting in the context of ths debate because although I would never relate such errors to the U.S. healthcare funding model, if this had happened in Canada I’m quite certain it would’ve generated significant coverage due to the HMO and Insurance Lobbies and the blame would’ve been placed squarely on our universal single-payer system.
Decide for yourself. If this article was about a hospital in Toronto, how would you have all responded?
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R.I. Hospital Fined For 3rd Brain Surgery Mistake
(CBS) PROVIDENCE, R.I. Rhode Island Hospital has been fined $50,000 and reprimanded by the state Department of Health after its third instance this year of a doctor performing brain surgery in the wrong side of a patient’s head.
“We are extremely concerned about this continuing pattern,” health department director David R. Gifford said in a statement Monday.
The hospital issued a statement saying it was re-evaluating its training and policies, providing more oversight, giving nursing staff the power to ensure procedures are followed, among other steps.
….continues
http://wbztv.com/topstories/local_story_331110858.html
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