With what may be the worst shortage of critical drugs in years, hospital operating rooms may now be exposing their patients to an increase in unnecessary, dangerous risks. If you or a loved one was injured because the proper drugs were not available at the right time, call a Cleveland hospital negligence lawyer or a Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer.
One of the most necessary operating room drugs that needs to be readily available in hospitals and ambulances is a special-mixed dosage of epinephrine. This drug is used for cardiac arrests and allows health care providers to intervene as rapidly as is necessary to save the patient. This drug is supposed to be on the "crash cart" used in these emergency cardiac arrest situations.
A recent national survey of over 1,800 health care providers conducted by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices found that these shortages have led to patients waking up during surgery and other patients dying. More than 33% said that these shortages have led to errors and potential patient harm. This survey also determined that more than 1,000 medical errors have occurred because approximately 50 drugs were unavailable.
It isn't clear whether health care providers should be responsible for supply issues relating to these drugs. But what is clear is that patients are now exposed to more unnecessary and dangerous risks. And someone or some business must be held accountable. If you or a loved one was injured because the proper drugs were not available at the right time, call a Cleveland hospital negligence lawyer or a Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer.
NEWSOK "Shortage of drugs reaches alarming levels" 10/01/2010
Drug Shortage May Put Hospitals at Risk for Medical Malpractice
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Simon W. Johnson
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Law Offices of Simon W. Johnson
