Doctors at one Atlanta area hospital performed a double mastectomy, when only one breast was supposed to be removed. At others they've operated on the wrong knee, drilled into the wrong side of a patient's head and circumcised the wrong babies. Wrong-site surgeries are supposed to be "never events." But they persist, despite basic safety protocols pushed for years by The Joint Commission, which accredits hospitals, and other leading medical groups. This story details recent incidents across Georgia and gives tips for what patients can do to protect themselves. Medical mistakes are an unhappy reality
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May 03, 2009
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Alison Young
Alison Young has more than 20 years of experience as an investigative reporter and editor at major U.S. newspapers. She is currently a member of USA TODAY's investigative team and is past president of Investigative Reporters and Editors, a national journalism training organization. Young is a frequent speaker on the techniques of watchdog journalism. This site is her personal portfolio of articles and reporting tips. You can reach her at alisonyoungreports@hotmail.com or ayoung@usatoday.com.
This is all too common. How in the world can such a huge mistake be made. There has to be a better checks and balances, especially when your dealing with life and limb of a human being.
Posted by: Ajlouny | July 19, 2009 at 07:32 PM