Hospital negligence is a major concern for many people in Oklahoma and in the rest of the United States. While some medical errors may be managed and corrected with the right intervention at the right time, there still remain some cases where the consequences of hospital negligence are tragic for patients and their families. It is the duty of hospitals, doctors and nurses to prevent such incidents in a medical facility.
For example, if a person is admitted to a hospital for treatment, the healthcare workers who are treating the patients must have clean hands. Washing hands is not only hygienic but it also prevents the spread of infections from one patient to the other in the hospital.
If a person is going in for surgery in a hospital, it is important that all doctors involved in the procedure are on the same page. Doing so can prevent errors, such as wrong-site surgery, the consequences of which can be very serious and at times, even deadly.
There are some things patients and their families can do to help prevent errors. For example, they can choose a hospital that has considerable experience in performing the surgery that the patient requires. Patients and their families should understand the treatment plan so that they may be able to identify when something isn\’t right.
It is also important for a patient to report any discomfort or concern so that hospital staff does not even mistakenly ignore a problem that can lead to serious consequences. It can also be important for patients and their families to keep in touch with the patient\’s primary doctor when the patient is having surgery or seeking treatment from a specialist. A primary doctor can help ensure the best possible treatment in the hospital because that doctor knows the patient personally and is well acquainted with the patient\’s medical history. This can be a huge plus in the event of a medical emergency.
Ultimately, it is each medical professional\’s responsibility to provide care that is up to the standards of his or her profession. When they fail to meet that standard, and the patient is harmed as a result, the medical care providers may be held liable for damages through a medical malpractice lawsuit. Oklahoma attorneys with experience in these matters can help the injured or their families to understand their legal options.
Source: AHRQ.gov, \”20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors,\” Accessed on Jan. 23, 2015