Why are so many surgical tools being left in patients?
A startling report from a health care safety nonprofit might be of interest readers. The study, recently released by a group known as The Association, revealed that nearly 800 surgical tools have been left in patients nationwide since 2005. Sponges, towels and needles are among the items that remained in patients after an operation was completed.
Family claims chest tube put through colon led to man’s death
It is frightening for any New York City resident to even think about, but the truth of the matter is surgeons can make mistakes while operating on a patient. Depending, these errors can lead to serious medical complications or even death. This means that a once simple surgery — with a high rate of success — can turn into a life or death situation when a surgeon makes a mistake.
Couple awarded $2.85 million after medical error led to paralysis
Surgeons are expected to be able to think quickly on their feet. This means that when a patient arrives at a hospital for an emergency, the surgeons and medical personnel on staff should be properly trained in how to best treat this patient.
Judge rules in favor of family in deadly hospital negligence case
When a New York resident goes to the hospital and the doctor orders a certain treatment plan — whether it is medication, surgery or both — most just assume the doctor knows best and do not question the plan. The idea many have is the doctor is the one who went to medical school and has the experience to make the correct medical decisions for patients.
Doctor’s leg amputated after surgical error
Recently, a doctor who lost his leg due to a medical error spoke out about what happened to him, hoping his experience can end up making a difference and lead to a decrease in medical errors.
New York City surgeon removes wrong kidney; hospital apologizes
A wrong-site surgery at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City recently made headlines when the wrong kidney of a 76-year-old was removed. In this case, while it is unknown what caused the wrong-site surgery, it turns out wrong-site surgical errors are more common than many might realize.
Medication error contributing factor in patient’s death
Many of the patients in hospitals are already in vulnerable states. Whether it is due to disease, infection or injury, many of these patients just want to be properly treated and no longer in pain. Many of these same patients also do not know that much about medicine and rely on the nurses in the hospital to give them the proper medications, in the right amounts.
Diagnostic errors a common reason for medical malpractice payouts
Medicine and treatment has come quite a way. However, for the optimal chance of survival, it is critical patients receive a diagnosis in a timely matter. This means that a delayed diagnosis or a misdiagnosis can be the matter between life and death for a New York City resident.
Preventing the spread of infection in hospitals
Like others elsewhere, New Yorkers go to the hospital to get better. However, some people end up getting sicker as a result of hospital infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that about 100,000 people die each year from hospital infections.
Despite widespread use, FDA looks into safety of surgical robots
There is a constant effort to improve medical care. Technological advances have helped people in New York City and beyond live longer. However, new technology is not always foolproof.