2 Ohio hospitals among safest in US, according to new report

April 12, 2014 (Press-News.org) 2 Ohio hospitals among safest in US, according to new report

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When patients are admitted to the hospital, they must rely on the physicians and other medical professionals to provide the best possible care. Of course, the quality of care varies, depending in part on the facility in which the patient is being treated.

Recently, Consumer Reports released a study providing some guidance to patients regarding the safest and least safe hospitals in the United States.

In total, Consumer Reports examined almost 2,600 hospitals across the country and gave each a score from one to 100. Among the top 10 safest hospitals were two located in northern Ohio.

The scores were based on five safety categories, including mortality, readmission rates, overuse of scans, infections and communication. The mortality rates considered both patients who were admitted to the hospital for heart failure, a heart attack or pneumonia and those who were admitted for a surgical procedure. The mortality rate was based on the patients admitted to treat one of those three illnesses who died within 30 days of admittance and the surgical patients who died due to a treatable complication.

Frequency of hospital errors high across the country

Researching hospitals may be a wise choice, considering the frequency with which hospital errors are made. According to a study published in the Journal of Patient Safety, between 210,000 and 440,000 patients die as a result of medical errors made in hospitals every year. Medical errors considered in the study included medication mistakes, surgical errors and infections acquired due to unsanitary practices.

Previous estimates had suggested between 98,000 and 180,000 people died due to errors made in hospitals each year.

Of course, apart from researching the facility in which a patient is intending to receive care, patients can take other action to protect themselves in the hospital. For instance, it is wise to have another trusted individual with you while you are receiving care, particularly if you are unable to speak for yourself. In addition, if a mistake occurs, it is a good idea to document what has taken place, to ensure you can recall the sequence of events at a later date.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a medical professional in a hospital, you may be entitled to recover damages. Take the time to consult with a skilled personal injury attorney to ensure you do not miss out on the compensation to which you may be entitled.