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Patient Safety and Memorial Day

Patient Safety Quality Monthly, May 15, 2006

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Dear Colleague,

Memorial Day has brought thoughts of safety to mind in different way. While we take steps in our hospitals today to make the safer for our patients through following safety procedures and precautions, we recognize that there are many men and women serving in our armed forces in areas that are clearly not safe. Yes, they take every precaution they can to remain safe. But the truth is, when you're dealing with an enemy, proper procedure is no guarantee of safety for random acts of violence.

As I was thinking this Memorial Day about our soldiers serving overseas, I was reminded of Doreen Maples. Doreen is the Director of Risk Management at ValleyCare Health System in Pleasanton, CA. She has had two sons in Iraq over the past year. One is in the reserves and one enlisted. Doreen is from a military background, so having her sons in the service in a time of conflict is a normal event. She is very proud of her sons' service and was one of the first to display insignias on her car to support our troops. Yet for a mother, there still is the ever present concern for the danger her sons face.

The reason I thought of Doreen is because I received good news this week. Both her sons are safely home. I know not everyone whose loved ones have served have been so fortunate. And I don't wish to diminish their sorrow at that this time. But when all we see on the news are the tragic results of this conflict, it is good to celebrate those for whom the return home is joyful. Please don't construe this letter as a political statement regarding whether or not our presence in these countries is just or necessary. That is not for me to write about or appropriate for this space. The reason I am bringing up the topic is because I often need perspective. Whatever your politics, there is no question regarding the individual sacrifices made by those who are serving there.

Unfortunately, despite all of the efforts to educate health care professionals on the need for safe practices, we still find individuals in our facilities who are resistant to change because of inconvenience. On this Memorial Day, I think that it is not inappropriate to remind them that the small sacrifices that they must make to create a safe place for our patients to receive care are inconsequential compared to the sacrifices others are making in a very unsafe world.

Regards,

Bob Marder, MD
Practice Director, Quality and Patient Safety
The Greeley Company

For more information on our Patient Safety and Quality consulting services, click here or contact Christine Beringer by e-mail, cberinger@greeley.com, or by phone at 888/749-3054, ext. 3174.

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