3 More Ways Hospitals are Deadly

1) Medication Errors
Part of the problem is that patients often neglect to inform all doctors of their drug allergies. Even still, hospitals mix drugs that should not be administered together and sometimes give patients the wrong drugs altogether. Medication errors account for about 20% of all injuries and deaths in U.S. hospital patients. Always alert hospital staff to any drug allergies and always ask questions about what drugs you are receiving. It might just save your life.

2) Hospital Food
Not only can hospital food be hard on the stomach, but there have been many instances where food allergies are not properly documented. This can be deadly is someone is fed something that causes an allergic reaction. Let’s be honest, does anyone really know all the ingredients being used? If you have food allergies double check with the hospital staff that they are documented on your file and if the food looks questionable you can always ask for something else.

3) Early Hospital Releases
Not only can hospitals be deadly, but more often than not your insurance company wants you out as quickly as possible. After all, they are paying the bill and insurance companies are all about profits. Patients are often denied the care they need to properly heal from their procedures. Sometimes this costs the insurance companies even more money when you have to be readmitted. Always make sure you are checked out by your doctor and if you do not feel you will be safe at home let them know.

While hospitals can be deadly, you can prevent many of these problems by disclosing all your allergies and asking questions. Never be scared to say something, it might just save your life.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.